As kids head back to school, USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services have announced efforts to improve the school lunch programs. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the administration is strengthening the connection between the farm and the lunchroom. “We are all here because we all want to see our kids thrive and because we believe that a healthier future is within reach for all American children. It’s within reach because our farmers grow and raise the healthiest food, the best food in the world. The path to that future starts at USDA, at HHS, and across our entire administration.” HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says the Harvest to Hallways program will align federal school meal standards with the dietary guidelines announced last year. “Our plan is to significantly reduce added sugars, move children from refined grains towards whole grains, with high-quality protein back in the center of the plate, and reduce reliance on highly processed foods.” Tyson Foods also announced a $1 million commitment over the next two years to support the administration’s school lunch initiative.
