The USDA conducted a new study to see how child nutrition programs changed after updating standards in the National School Lunch Program.
Foods made available to schools through the USDA Foods Program since 2012 now include more dark green vegetables and whole grains. The percent of fruits and vegetables distributed increased to 15 percent in 2017, which is up from the 6 percent found in 2012. Cheese, poultry, and red meat on the menu actually dropped to a range of 60 to 70 percent from 2012 to 2017.
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