The New York Times reported the Obama administration announced a new set of rules for government-subsidized school meals on Wednesday, which is aimed to fight childhood obesity.
According to the New York times, the rules have been long-awaited since an earlier proposal was met with strong opposition months earlier. That proposal called for a reduction in starchy foods such as french fries, as well as not allowing tomato paste on a slice of pizza be counted as a vegetable.
Nevertheless the changes were put into place andThe Associated Press reported this is the first major overhaul of school meals in 15 years.
Within the overhaul, the changes include having less sodium in foods, more whole grains, and more fruits and vegetable as side options. Moreover, all milk must be low fat and there are now limits on salt and trans fat for the first time ever.
A child nutrition bill signed by President Barack Obama in 2010 will help pay the increased costs of the changes, according to the Associated Press.
The announcment was made by first lady Michelle Obama, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, and celebrity chef Rachael Ray at an elementary school in Alexandria, Va., according to both reports.
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