Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a new rule for school meal standards. It emphasizes less sugar and sodium in school meals. “We continue to work with the dairy industry to provide options of flavored and unflavored milk, but with a new limit on added sugars.” Current standards for whole grains will not change. USDA will also impose stricter ‘Buy America’ guidelines. In a media briefing, Vilsack said the standards will be gradually updated starting in fall of 2025 with full implementation by the fall of 2027.
