Massive Changes Coming To Louisiana School Lunches, Here’s What We Know…

While millions of children have lunch at school every day, it appears that Louisiana youngsters will soon notice a major change in their lunch experience. This is what we are aware of.

When I was in school, I remember looking forward to seeing what was served for lunch each day when I woke up. My favorite lunch day was NO DOUBT when the cafeteria was serving pizza, you know the one I'm talking about...

Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture disclosed a number of changes to the nutritional requirements for school lunches, including a first for the nation.

Here are a few of the modifications...

1. Added sugars will now be limited in meals

The new rule will take effect on July 1, 2025, and will limit the amount of added sugars in breakfast cereals served in schools to no more than 6 grams per dry ounce, 2 grams per ounce for yogurt, and 10 grams per 8 fluid ounces for flavored milk.

Furthermore, according to the USDA, a second regulation that will come into force on July 1, 2027, mandates that the amount of added sugar in school lunch and breakfast programs must not exceed 10% of total calories during the week.

Before this, schools were just required to supply the necessary number of calories, without any restrictions on how much more sugar might be added to meals to meet calorie requirements.

2. Sodium is being gradually reduced in school meals

The USDA states that starting July 1, 2027, school lunches will have 15% less sodium than they currently have, while breakfast foods will have 10% less sodium.

The USDA stated that to give manufacturers, schools, and the general public time to adjust, it is keeping the current sodium levels in place for the next three years.

3. Chocolate milk will still be served but with limits

Flavored milk supplied at schools will need comply with to the new added sugar limits as of July 1, 2025.

According to the USDA, flavored milk sold individually in middle and high schools must have no more than 15 grams of added sugar per 12 fluid ounces, while flavored milk served to K–12 students at breakfast and lunch must have no more than 10 grams of added sugar per 8 fluid ounces.

You can read more from the USDA by CLICKING HERE.