In spring 2024, the USDA rolled out its Final Rule on nutrient and menu standards, significantly impacting child nutrition programs, including the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP). This new regulation aims to align school meals with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025, with a particular focus on reducing added sugars and sodium.
What's Changing in School Nutrition?
Starting July 1, 2027, school meal programs must implement a 10% reduction in added sugars and sodium. This change will require schools to adjust their menus to meet stricter limits:
- Sodium: The current sodium limit for school meals remains in effect, but the first reduction of 10% must be implemented by July 1, 2027. For example, breakfast sodium limits must decrease from 540-640 mg to 485-570g on a weekly average.
- Added Sugars: Similar reductions will apply to added sugars, limiting them to less than 10% of total calories per week in the school lunch and breakfast programs. For a typical school breakfast, this means only 35-60 calories (or 8.75-15 grams) from added sugars will be allowed.
Additionally, specific breakfast items like cereals, yogurts, and flavored milks will need to meet stricter sugar content requirements by July 1, 2025. For more information on the timeline of the Final Rule implementation dates, check out this resource.
The Role of Peanuts in Meeting Nutritional Goals
Peanuts can be a game-changer in helping schools meet these new standards. Not only are they affordable and tasty, but they also offer great nutrition. With 7 grams of protein per serving, over 30 essential vitamins and minerals, and a good source of fiber and good fats, peanuts are a versatile ingredient that can fulfill multiple meal components.
Schools now have the flexibility to choose between offering grains, meat/meat alternate, or a combination of both during school breakfast. Since all nuts and seeds can now be credited for the meat/meat alternate component, peanuts offer a versatile solution to help schools meet breakfast requirements. This means you can get creative with menu options, like offering a Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie—a delicious, nutrient-packed breakfast choice that kids will love.
To further support your breakfast program, the National Peanut Board is releasing a new breakfast toolkit soon. Sign up here to be alerted when it's available and take your school breakfast offerings to the next level.
Incorporating Peanuts into Diverse Menus
Peanuts can seamlessly integrate into various cultural cuisines, making them an ideal choice for schools serving diverse student populations. Whether it's a West African Peanut Stew or a Savory Chicken Shawarma Bowl with Peanut Hummus, peanuts can enhance the flavor and nutrition of your school meals.
Expert Advice
“Schools across our country want to provide healthy, delicious meals to students. For schools looking to elevate their breakfast programs, exploring grants, connecting with resources like the National Peanut Board, and collaborating with colleagues are key steps toward achieving realistic goals,” advises Tarrah Westercamp, CEO of Westercamp Consulting.
“While added sugars are prevalent in our diets, they don’t offer essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals,” Westercamp adds. “Serving students nutrient-rich foods, like whole fruit paired with peanut butter or peanuts, is crucial for their growth and learning.”
Flexible Menu Planning
Since July 2024, the USDA’s Final Rule has introduced flexibilities in menu planning to accommodate cultural dietary needs. Schools can now:
- Use nuts and seeds to fulfill the meat/meat alternate meal component.
- Substitute vegetables for grains in schools operating in specific regions, such as Hawaii, Guam, and tribal communities.
- Replace fruit with vegetables without needing to adhere to specific vegetable subgroups for this school year.
Conclusion
As schools navigate these new nutritional requirements, peanuts offer a nutritious, versatile, and culturally adaptable ingredient that can help meet USDA standards. Check out these peanut-based recipe ideas and resources for schools.
Reference
U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025.