Child Nutrition Programs: Transitional Standards for Milk, Whole Grains, and Sodium Final Rule
The new transitional standards rule establishes standards for milk, whole grains, and sodium for school years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024.
On February 7, 2023 USDA announced a proposed update to the school nutrition standards. The proposal's public comment period closed May 10, 2023.
Summary of Changes for the Transitional Standards
School Year 2022-2023
- Milk: Schools and child care producers may offer flavored, low-fat milk (1%) in addition to unflavored, low-fat milk and flavored or unflavored nonfat milk.
- Whole Grains: At least 80% of the grains served in school lunch and breakfast per week must be whole grain-rich (containing at least 50% whole grains).
- Sodium: The weekly sodium limit for school lunch and breakfast will remain at the current level, known as Target 1, for school year 2022-2023. Through school year 2026-27 (until June 30, 2027), schools will maintain current sodium limits (Sodium Target 1A for lunch and Sodium Target 1 for breakfast).
School Year 2023-2024
- Sodium: For school lunch only, the limit will decrease marginally (10%) in school year 2023-2024 to put schools on an achievable path toward long-term sodium reduction, which will be addressed in future rulemaking.
Through school year 2026-27 (until June 30, 2027), schools will maintain current sodium limits (Sodium Target 1A for lunch and Sodium Target 1 for breakfast).
TDA will continue to update this page with policy and meal planning resources to help Texas CEs with the meal pattern changes.