School districts have said some of the USDA proposals go too far
and cost too much when budgets are extremely tight. Schools have to follow the government on what they can
serve in the federally subsidized meals that are free or at reduced prices.
USDA spokeswoman Courtney Rowe said Tuesday that the department
will continue its efforts to make lunches healthier.
"While it's unfortunate that some members of Congress continue
to put special interests ahead of the health of America's children,
USDA remains committed to practical, science-based standards for
school meals," she said in a statement.
The group, called Mission: Readiness, has called poor nutrition in school lunches a
national security issue because obesity is the leading medical
disqualifier for military service.
"We are outraged that Congress is seriously considering
language that would effectively categorize pizza as a vegetable in
the school lunch program," Amy Dawson Taggart, the director of Mission: Readiness, said in a letter to lawmakers before the final bill was
released. "It doesn't take an advanced degree in nutrition to call
this a national disgrace."
Specifically, the bill would:
- Block the Agriculture Department from limiting starchy
vegetables, including corn and peas, to two servings a week. The
rule was intended to cut down on french fries, which many schools
serve daily.
- Allow USDA to count two tablespoons of tomato paste as a
vegetable, as it does now. The department had attempted to require
that only a half-cup of tomato paste could be considered a
vegetable. Federally subsidized lunches must have a certain number
of vegetables to be served.
- Require further study on long-term sodium reduction
requirements set forth by the USDA guidelines.
- Require USDA to define "whole grains" before they regulate
them. The USDA rules require schools to use more whole grains.
Food companies who have fought the USDA standards say they were
too strict and neglected the nutrients that potatoes, other starchy
vegetables and tomato paste do offer.
"This agreement ensures that nutrient-rich vegetables such as
potatoes, corn and peas will remain part of a balanced, healthy
diet in federally funded school meals and recognizes the
significant amounts of potassium, fiber and vitamins A and C
provided by tomato paste, ensuring that students may continue to
enjoy healthy meals such as pizza and pasta," said Kraig Naasz,
president of the American Frozen Food Institute.
Both the House and the Senate are expected to vote on the bill this week and send
it to President Obama.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report)
