USDA school lunch changes: What's on the menu?
(CBS) Big changes are coming to school lunches, First Lady Michelle Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack of the announced today. Meals for more than 32 million children - who have school lunches subsidized by the government - will be much healthier, with less sodium, more whole grains and more fruits and veggies as sides.
Lunchtime staples such as potatoes and pizza will remain, after debate between Congress and the USDA about what foods constitute vegetables. These dishes will be made with more healthful ingredients, and kids might be more likely to see roasted potatoes (compared with greasy fries) as a side dish.
The announcement comes at a time when one third of America's youth between the ages 2 to 19 are obese.
Just how much healthier will these lunches be? High school students will have 6.5 more cups of vegetables per week than ever before, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said on a conference call.
Wondering what the new school lunches will look like compared to the old cafeteria fare? Keep clicking to see a sample before and after menu for a week at school, provided by the USDA.
USDA school lunch changes: What's on the menu?
The new guidelines are designed to combat childhood obesity and are based on 2009 recommendations by the Institute of Medicine.
Monday:
Before:
- Bean and cheese burrito (5.3 oz) with mozzarella cheese (1 oz)
- Applesauce (1/4 cup)
- Orange juice (4 oz)
- 2 percent milk (8 oz)
After:
- Turkey (1 oz) and low-fat cheese (0.5 oz) sandwich on whole wheat bread
- Refried beans (1/2 cup)
- Jicama (1/4 cup)
- Green pepper strips (1/4 cup)
- Cantaloupe wedges (1/2 cup)
- Skim milk (8 oz)
- Mustard (9 grams)
- Reduced fat mayonnaise (1 oz)
- Low-fat ranch drip (1 oz)
USDA school lunch changes: What's on the menu?
The guidelines limit caloric intake based on age, to ensure proper portion size.
Tuesday:
Before:
- Hot dog on bun (3 oz) with ketchup (4 tbsp.)
- Canned pears (1/4 cup)
- Raw celery and carrots (1/8 cup each) with ranch dressing (1.75 tbsp.)
- Low-fat 1 percent chocolate milk (8 oz)
After:
- Whole wheat spaghetti with meat sauce (1/2 cup)
- Whole wheat roll
- Green beans, cooked (1/2 cup)
- Broccoli (1/2 cup)
- Cauliflower (1/2 cup)
- Kiwi halves, raw (1/2 cup)
- Low-fat 1 percent milk (8 oz)
- Low-fat ranch dip (1 oz)
- Soft margarine (5 g)
USDA school lunch changes: What's on the menu?
The new menus ensure students are served both fruits and veggies all five days of the school week.
Wednesday:
Before:
- Pizza sticks (3.8 oz) with marinara sauce (1/4 cup)
- Banana
- Raisins (1 oz)
- Whole milk (8 oz)
After:
- Chef salad (1 cup romaine, 0.5 oz low-fat mozzarella, 1.5 oz grilled chicken)
- Whole wheat soft pretzel (2.5 oz)
- Corn, cooked (1/2 cup)
- Baby carrots, raw (1/4 cup)
- Banana
- Skim chocolate milk (8 oz)
- Low-fat ranch dressing (1.5 oz)
- Low-fat Italian dressing (1.5 oz)
USDA school lunch changes: What's on the menu?
The new guidelines suggest that tofu be offered as a meat alternative.
Thursday:
Before:
- Breaded beef patty (4 oz) with ketchup (2 tbsp.)
- Wheat roll (2 oz)
- Frozen fruit juice bar (2.4 oz)
- 2 percent milk (8 oz)
After:
- Oven-baked fish nuggets (2 oz)
- Whole wheat roll
- Mashed potatoes (1/2 cup)
- Steamed broccoli (1/2 cup)
- Peaches (canned, packed in juice - 1/2 cup)
- Skim milk (8 oz)
- Tartar sauce (1.5 oz)
- Soft margarine (5 g)
USDA school lunch changes: What's on the menu?
Pizza won't disappear from school lunch menus - but it will be made with healthier ingredients, such as whole wheat.
Friday:
Before:
- Cheese pizza (4.8 oz)
- Canned pineapple (1/4 cup)
- Tater tots (1/2 cup) with ketchup (2 tbsp.)
- Low-fat 1 percent chocolate milk (8 oz)
After:
- Whole wheat cheese pizza (1 slice)
- Baked sweet potato fries (1/2 cup)
- Grape tomatoes, raw (1/4 cup)
- Applesauce (1/2 cup)
- Low-fat 1 percent milk (8 oz)
- Low-fat ranch dip (1 oz)