CNN Reports that the USDA issues new rules for school meals

This is the first time in 15 years that school launches have been overhauled. Recent numbers show that about 17% of children in the United States are obese. The new nutrition standards are largely based on recommendations by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, as part of efforts to curb childhood obesity.

With the help of Michelle Obama's campaign against childhood obesity, school menus will change to reduce sodium, sugar, saturated fats, and trans fats to add fruits veggies and whole grains. Milk will also change from whole to 1% milk. This is due to new government regulations this week.

Under the new rules, school meals will have calorie minimums and maximums per meal based on the child's age. For kindergarteners to fifth-graders, meals must contain 550 to 650 calories, and for 9th- to 12th-graders, meals must have 450 to 600 calories.

Kevin Concannon, the USDA under secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services, said he wasn't concerned with the tomato paste controversy at this point. If you're unfamiliar... a controversy erupted in November after Congress decided that two tablespoons of tomato sauce was good enough to categorize a slice of pizza as a vegetable. RIDICULOUS!

Food and beverages sold in vending machines will also have to meet nutritional standards. First lady Michelle Obama and USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack unveiled the standards Wednesday. The USDA offered a weekly sample lunch menu with before and after comparisons as well.

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