This fall, as children are heading back to school, the institutions that participate in the federal lunch program will continue to ensure that children and teens will be receiving healthier food, snack and beverage choices, experts note.
Now in its third year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been implementing its Smart Snacks in School standards. Working in partnership with government entities, school partners, associations and parents, a 90 percent reduction in beverage calories in schools has been achieved since the standards were initiated — largely by limiting the sale of sugary beverages and serving smaller portions, they add.