The USDA’s proposed changes would result in negative implications for the lifelong health of millions and for the trajectory of diabetes in the United States

The American Diabetes Association® (ADA) submitted a formal comment yesterday expressing strong opposition to a proposed rule from the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) seeking to weaken nutrition standards in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP). If the proposed rule is implemented it will not only undercut the fight against diabetes, but also fail to protect the children who rely heavily on these programs.

Meals served by the NSLP and SBP today must follow meal patterns that ensure sound, balanced nutrition, based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. However, the USDA’s proposed rule includes several changes that widen the gap between the operation of USDA’s school nutrition programs and the scientific evidence reflected in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, including:

• requiring lower amounts of red or orange vegetables in school lunches; 
• requiring less fruit when schools operate innovative breakfast in the classroom programs; 
• further reduction in the variety of vegetables served at breakfast; 
• and loosening Smart Snacks rules that govern the sale of other foods in schools.
   

“In 2018, nearly 30 million children participated in the National School Lunch Program and almost 15 million participated in the School Breakfast Program,” said LaShawn McIver, MD, MPH, ADA’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Advocacy. “Given the reach of these programs, the policies governing the food and beverages served have lasting impacts on the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. If USDA weakens these policies, there will be negative implications for the lifelong health of millions of children who participate in these programs. This not only puts our children at risk but holds the potential to drastically increase the trajectory of diabetes in the United States.” 

To reduce obesity and type 2 diabetes risk throughout the lifespan and to help prevent or postpone onset of type 2 diabetes in children today, science-based nutrition standards should be strengthened, not undermined. Therefore, having strong nutritional standards in schools is crucial as it can produce dietary improvements that are associated with lower diabetes risk. 

The ADA strongly urges that the USDA not implement this rule and instead support polices that promote nutritious meal patterns in schools. 
 

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