Report Calls for Nutrition Standards for Competitive Foods in Schools
In April 2007, the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine issued a report that recommends establishing nutrition standards for competitive foods and beverages sold outside of the School Meal Program, such as cafeteria a la carte, vending machine and school store items.
Current national school nutrition guidelines only require that federally-reimbursable school meals meet established nutrition standards. The report, “Nutrition Standards for Foods in Schools: Leading the Way toward Healthier Youth” provide for the following:
- Promotes the consumption and sale of non-fat or lowfat dairy products in the school environment, as well as fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Recommends limiting caffeinated items, saturated fat, salt, added sugars and total calories in foods.
- Includes a specific recommendation to increase the availability of non-fat and lowfat white and flavored milk and yogurt with modest amounts of added sugars for children at all grade levels throughout the day.