The health and education of our nation’s children are top priorities.  Yet, at a time when 90% of U.S. kids are not eating enough vegetables, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is considering limiting the availability of some popular vegetables served in schools. Specifically, the rule would limit the total number of servings of certain vegetables (potatoes, corn, green peas, and lima beans) to one cup per week at lunch, and eliminate them entirely at breakfast. USDA has indicated that final rules will be issued later this year, and will likely take effect in the 2012-2013 school year.  This proposal could have significant, unintended adverse effects on our children’s physical health, our schools’ fiscal health, and on the state of school meal plans.

Voices from Our Nation’s Cafeterias

School food service directors from across the country came to Washington, D.C., on October 5, 2011, to share their concerns about the unintended consequences of USDA’s proposed rule that would limit their flexibility in delivering students healthy, nutritious meals. Panelists included:

• Dennis Barrett, Los Angeles Unified School District
• Karen Castenada, Lower Merion (Penn.) School District
• Doris Demers, York/Kittery (Maine) Schools
• Becky Domokos-Bays, Alexandria (Va.) City Public Schools
• Leo Lesh, Denver Public Schools (retired)

The event also featured the release of a new national survey of school food service directors, which shows that 72% believe USDA’s proposed rules will either cause a decrease in the quality of children's overall health (40%) or have no impact (32%).

Additionally, of the 245 food service directors surveyed:

• 60% anticipate the proposed ruling will increase their food service costs
• 65% believe it will lead to decreased student participation in school lunch program
• 65% say it will result in more plate waste
• Only 5% say the new rules will improve the quality of children’s overall health

Read the press release: Survey of School Food Service Professionals Reveals Serious Concerns Over Proposed USDA School Meal Regulations

View survey fact sheet: Voices from Our Nation’s Cafeterias

Download event posters:

• The Power of Potatoes
• School Meals that Rock!
• School Meals: Do the Math
• Leave the Vegetables – Keep Nutrition Out of the Trash

Fact sheets:

• Potatoes: A Go Food For Kids
• Potato Nutrition: The Simple Fact
• A Model Menu With Potatoes: Getting at the Root of Healthier School Menus
• Five Reasons Potatoes Belong in Schools

FAQ

	Kids Love Potatoes Baked, mashed, roasted, in soups and stews— at breakfast—kids love potatoes.  Plus, there are plenty of nutritious reasons to serve this vegetable every day. Read more about the benefits of including potatoes in children’s diets.	Potatoes are Affordable and Nutritious Studies show school meals that include potatoes are more nutritious and affordable than those without. Read more about the ill effects these regulations will have on schools.
	Potato Preparation and Innovation A broad range of kid-pleasing and highly nutritious potato products are offered in schools. Read more about the evolution of potato products.	Potato Nutrition Facts Hungry for more potato nutrition information?  Get a list of fact sheets and resources sure to complement your  knowledge of the important role potatoes play in school meals. Read more about potato nutrition.