Feds to undo some school lunch rules

WASHINGTON -- The Agriculture Department is responding to criticism over new school lunch rules by allowing more grains and meat in kids' meals.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack told members of Congress in a letter Friday that the department will do away with daily and weekly limits of meats and grains.

Several lawmakers wrote the department after the new rules went into effect in September saying kids aren't getting enough to eat. School administrators also complained, saying set maximums on grains and meats are too limiting as they try to plan daily meals.

"This flexibility is being provided to allow more time for the development of products that fit within the new standards while granting schools additional weekly menu planning options to help ensure that children receive a wholesome, nutritious meal every day of the week," Vilsack said in a letter to Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.).

The new guidelines, which apply to federally subsidized lunches, were intended to address increasing childhood obesity. They set limits on calories and salt and phase in more whole grains. Schools must offer at least one vegetable or fruit per meal.

While nutritionists and some parents have praised the new standards, others, including many conservative lawmakers, refer to them as government overreach. Yet many of those same lawmakers also have complained about hearing from constituents who say their kids are hungry at school.

Though broader calorie limits are still in place, the rules tweak will allow school lunch planners to use as many grains and as much meat as they want.

Margo Wootan, a nutrition lobbyist for the Center for Science in the Public Interest, says the new guidance shows that USDA will work with school nutrition officials and others who have concerns.

"It takes time to work out the kinks," Wootan said.