More meat, grains OK in school lunches

WASHINGTON -- The Agriculture Department is responding to criticism of new school lunch rules by allowing more grains and meat in the meals.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack told members of Congress in a letter Friday that the department will do away with daily and weekly limits of meats and grains. Several lawmakers wrote to the department after the rules went into effect in September; they said students aren't getting enough to eat.

School administrators also complained, saying set maximums on grains and meats are too limiting as they try to plan daily meals.

"This flexibility is being provided to allow more time for the development of products that fit within the new standards while granting schools additional weekly menu planning options to help ensure that children receive a wholesome, nutritious meal every day of the week," Vilsack said in a letter to Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D.

The guidelines were intended to address increasing childhood obesity levels. They set limits on calories and salt, and phased in more whole grains. Schools must offer at least one vegetable or fruit per meal. The department also dictated how much of certain food groups could be served.

While nutritionists and some parents have praised the school lunch standards, others, including many conservative lawmakers, refer to them as government overreach. Yet many of those same lawmakers have complained about hearing from constituents who say their children are hungry at school.