MOOchelle's Fail is Country Class Gain

Jan. 3, 2014

USDA allows more meat, grains in school lunches

Credit: Getty Images

CHICAGO - MARCH 20: A three entree elementary lunch lies on display in the Nettelhorst Elementary School lunchroom March 20, 2006 in Chicago, Illinois. U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) stopped by the school to visit the new, pilot lunch program called, "Cool Foods," as part of the Healthy Schools Campaign. Nettelhorst is one of three Chicago public schools participating in the new lunch program offering salad bars as a new federal law, effective June 30, 2006, states that all schools must establish wellness policies. (Photo by Tim Boyle/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Agriculture Department says it’s making permanent rules that allow schools to serve larger portions of lean meat and whole grains in school lunches and other meals.

Guidelines restricting portion size were originally intended to combat childhood obesity, but many parents complained their kids weren’t getting enough to eat. School administrators say that rules establishing maximums on grains and meats are too limiting and make it difficult to plan daily meals.

The department eliminated limits and on meats and grains on a temporary basis more than a year ago. On Thursday officials made the rule change permanent.

The change was announced by Kevin Concannon, an undersecretary for food, nutrition and consumer services.

He says the department has delivered on its promise to give school nutritionists more flexibility in meal planning.

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