The administration of current president of US, Donald Trump, has put forward new rules for school lunches that critics claim will open up more space for burgers, French fries, and pizzas rather than veggies and fruits and other healthier food options.
This is a cut to the former first lady’s signature achievement to improve the school lunches.
And, believe it or not, the latest proposals for rule changes were announced on the day of Michelle Obama’s birthday.
The US Department of Agriculture announced the proposal which will allow schools to reduce the amount of veggies and fruits of the almost 30 million students who’re in the public school system.
Trump Administration Says They Do this for Healthy Food to Be Available
The proposed rules by the Trump administration claim they will provide more choices to schools when it comes to veggies and fruits.
However, according to experts, these new rules will only make a loophole and open up the space for unhealthy foods in schools.
According to agriculture secretary Sonny Perdue, schools continue telling us of the excessive food waste and that there’s a need of common sense flexibility so that our students can have appetizing and nourishing meals.
He says they listened and now they’re working towards this goal.
However, the deputy director of legislative affairs for the Centre for Science in the Public Interest, Colin Schwartz, is doubtful about the likelihood of these goals.
She claims there will be a loophole in the nutrition guidelines and this will pave the way for children to opt for French fries or pizza or other foods abundant in sodium, calories or saturated fat instead of balanced and nutritious meals.
When Were the Previous Rules Set?
After the 2010 passage of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act in 2010 that Michelle Obama successfully achieved as a part of her campaign for healthier children in the country, the menu in schools started providing healthier lunches.
Foods like pizzas and hot dogs were replaced with chef’s salad and whole-wheat spaghetti.
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