USDA’s new school meal standards will give greater access to nutritious foods for vegetarian and vegan children and those with dietary restrictions. This is an important step, as research indicates that school meals are American schoolchildren’s most important food source.
The new rules, which took effect on July 1, 2024, were released by USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) consistent with the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. They aim to improve the nutritional quality of school meals and other USDA Child Nutrition Programs.
Beans, peas, and lentils
Under the new rules, schools can combine grains, meats, and meat alternatives as meal components. Beans, peas, and lentils can replace meat at lunch, and cafeterias can offer dishes such as black bean burgers stir-fried with tofu, falafel pita, and pepper slices with hummus.
The specific requirement is to provide ½ cup over the week. Even if beans, peas, and lentils are offered as meat alternatives, schools must still provide enough vegetables to meet the daily and weekly requirements. These standards also apply to afterschool snacks.
Another gain is that ‘bean dip,’ including hummus, is now exempt from the total fat standard. This exemption applies to dips made from beans, peas, or lentils. Schools can now sell bean dip as a Smart Snack but are not required to make this change.
The proposal to exempt hummus was widely supported, highlighting its nutritional value — fiber, protein, iron, magnesium, and healthy fats. The USDA explains that “bean dip” was chosen over “hummus” to provide clarity and inclusivity for various bean-based dips.
Nuts and seeds make their way
Previously, nuts and seeds were required to be served alongside other meats/meat alternatives. But now they can fully meet the meats/meat alternative component for all meal types (breakfast, lunch, and supper) in the USDA Child Nutrition Programs and at snack times. Program operators can choose to meet the full component with nuts and seeds or combine them. It is worth noting that serving nuts and seeds is optional, not mandated.
According to the USDA, stakeholders largely supported the change, emphasizing the nutritional benefits of nuts and seeds, such as protein, vitamin E, fiber, minerals, and healthy fats.
Plant-based milk and Indigenous foods
Milk (along with fruits and grains) continues to be a required component for special breakfast programs. The USDA has retained the current requirements in the new standards, allowing fat-free, low-fat flavored, and unflavored milk. Vegan students and those with allergies can request plant-based milk.
Lastly, child nutrition programs can label foods, indicating whether they are locally grown, caught, or raised. Additionally, schools can offer traditional Indigenous foods, such as vegetables like yams and plantains, to replace grain requirements.
“All of this is a game changer for the country’s diverse student populations,” said the School Superintendents Association President Gustavo Balderas.
