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Children’s HealthWatch Submits a Comment in Opposition to a Proposed Federal Rule That Would Rollback Nutrition Standards of School Meals

On December 23rd, Children HealthWatch submitted a comment in response to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Proposed Rule, “Restoration of Milk, Whole Grains, and Sodium Flexibilities” published in the Federal Register on November 25th. At a time of unprecedented food insecurity rates and health disparities, our nation’s children need strong, evidence-based school nutrition standards that support their learning, health, and well-being. If finalized, this rule will make permanent weaker nutrition standards for whole grains, sodium, and milk, and continue to roll back the healthy nutrition standards for school meals that are critical for child health and development. As pediatricians and public health researchers, we are gravely concerned about the impact this will have on children’s health. Therefore, we strongly oppose this regulatory action that would harm the health of children and their families, and urge the administration to immediately withdraw this proposal in its entirety.