Stock photo of school lunch
Guilford County, NC - Starting next year, your child will have healthier options to choose from for school lunch. This week, the USDA approved new school lunch menu regulations.
It means starting July 1st, school systems across the nation will have to offer more fruits and vegetables, more whole grains and fat-free or low-fat milk varieties. Schools will also have to reduce sodium, saturated fat and trans fats in lunches.
The Nutrition Director for Guilford County Schools joined WFMY News 2's Tracey McCain on the Good Morning Show Friday. Cynthia Sevier gave us a good look at what healthy lunches will look like and talked about the progress she's seen in Guilford County Schools.
"It's working. Kids are eating salads and choosing healthier options," said Sevier. "And the kids actually like salad."
Sevier said when it comes to school lunch, you'll see more color on their trays. "Colorful food means it's a better option."
The USDA will mandate children stay in new calorie ranges. Students in grades K-5 will be restricted to between 550-650 calories at lunch. Students in grades 9-12 will be restricted between 450-600 calories.
WFMY News 2