DeLauro Condemns USDA Rollback of School Nutrition Standards

WASHINGTON, DC (December 6, 2018) - Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today released the following statement following the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) move to finalize the rollback of nutrition standards for school meals across the country. USDA's final rule would weaken whole-grain-rich requirements, eliminate sodium reduction goals, and allow higher-calorie and sugary milk.

"By finalizing this Administration's rollback of school nutrition standards, Secretary Perdue has once again shown his commitment to special interests over the health of our nation's children. School meal nutrition standards were enacted on a bipartisan basis to bring school meals up to date with the latest science and ensure kids have the nutrition they need to learn. Today's action will only hinder the hard-won progress we have made on childhood obesity and malnutrition. That is unacceptable."

"Despite USDA's mantra that this move gives school officials flexibility, the final rule will only undermine child nutrition by allowing school meals with fewer whole grains, more sodium, and added sugar that our kids do not need. USDA should immediately reverse this decision and work with schools to protect our children's health and well-being."

DeLauro and other House Democrats first criticized USDA's plans to rollback school meal standards in May 2017. DeLauro is a senior Democrat on the Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the USDA.