USDA issues new guidelines for school meals
School Lunches
Northwest potato growers meeting in the Tri-Cities this week at the Washington State Potato Conference will continue to see their produce on school lunch menus.
Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued new guidelines for school lunches.
And despite a request from the First Lady, potatoes will remain unrestricted on school menus.
The new guidelines are good news for local potato growers, as they will continue to be able to sell their products for school meals, which means more money for Washington's economy.
The USDA, with help from Michelle Obama, announced the new standards for student meal programs, which feed about 32 million children.
Under the new guidelines, public and private schools will have to offer more whole grains and produce, as well as fat-free and low-fat milk.
The USDA originally wanted to limit potato servings, but congress blocked that potential change after potato growers lobbied to keep the vegetable on the menu.
"There's a lot of misinformation out there about potatoes and the nutrition of potatoes. Potatoes are a very, very nutritious vegetable. They have the highest amount of potassium of any vegetable that there is, as well as other nutrients" said Dale Lathim, Potato Growers of Washington.
The purpose of the new meal plan is to create healthier food options for students.
This is the first major change to school meals in more than 15 years.
The changes are costing about $3.2 billion to implement, and the new school meal standards go into effect July 1st.
They will be phased-in over the next three years.
Click here to see a list of the upcoming changes from the USDA.