WHOLE GRAINS. Under current regulations, all grains offered with school meals must be whole grain rich – down to the croutons on the fresh salad bar. This agreement requires 80% of the grains offered with school meals be whole grain rich, allowing schools to offer occasional servings of enriched grains. The change provides flexibility for schools struggling with product availability and allows schools to make special exceptions to appeal to diverse student tastes and regional preferences for items like white tortillas or biscuits that don’t meet current standards. SODIUM: Schools have made great strides in reducing sodium to meet Target 1 sodium levels, effective on July 1, 2014. However, school nutrition professionals have warned that later sodium targets will push many healthy options, like low-fat deli sandwiches, soups and salads off the menu, due in part to naturally occurring sodium in foods. Under the agreement, schools gain two additional years to meet Target 2 limits, which will now take effect on July 1, 2019. Starting in 2019, a study will be conducted to determine whether scientific research supports the final sodium limits (effective July 1, 2022) and whether food companies are capable of preparing foods that meet those limits. The study will also evaluate the impact of Target 2 limits on student lunch participation, food cost, safety and food service operations.
WHOLE GRAINS. 4 loaves of bread AND 4 packages of any combination of the 4 other whole grain products • Bread – 16 oz. only; brands and varieties listed on the WIC Approved Food List. • Brown Rice-14-16 oz. bag or box; any brand; regular cook, instant and boil-in-bag. • Whole Wheat Pasta- 16 oz. only; brands and varieties listed on the WIC Approved Food List. • Tortillas- 16 oz. only; brands and varieties listed on the WIC Approved Food List. • Oatmeal-16 oz. only; brands listed on the WIC Approved Food List MILK • Whole milk - 3 gallons and 3 half-gallons • 1% and/or skim milk - 6 gallons and 4 half-gallons Not Allowed: “Deluxe”, “Plus”, organic, flavored, sweetened-condensed, non-dairy, goat’s milk, Copy Cow or Vitamite
