USDA resource helps schools, parents transition to new meal pattern

The 2012-13 school year marks the beginning of school meal changes under the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act. Changes will be phased in, beginning this year, with full implementation by 2022. However, most of the changes will occur by 2014-15. Among other things, schools must now offer fruit daily at lunchtime, and this year half of all grain-based foods served must be whole grain-rich.

With any new federal regulations, comes the need for support and resources on how to implement changes. In response, the United States Department of Agriculture has come out with the “The School Day Just Got Healthier Toolkit.”

This collection of resources is separated by audience. School administrators, school staff, parents, and students all play unique roles within the changes to the school food environment. The toolkit is separated to help direct individuals to the most relevant and valuable tools and resources created for their specific role.

The toolkit includes many different tools including brochures, fact sheets, FAQs, fliers, school lessons, templates and much more. The ultimate goal of the USDA’s “The School Day just got Healthier” is to help prepare everyone for the changes to school meals this school year.
Click here to access the tool kit.