Carrot Juice Instead Of Coke? USDA Proposes New School Snack Rules : The Salt : NPR

Carrot Juice Instead Of Coke? USDA Proposes New School Snack Rules : The Salt : NPR:

Carrot Juice Instead Of Coke? USDA Proposes New School Snack Rules
by ALLISON AUBREY

 The U.S. Department of Agriculture's proposed new rules for school snacks promote healthier options, like the fruits and vegetables served in this Palo Alto, Calif., cafeteria.

The Department of Agriculture has proposed a new "Smart Snacks in School" rule that aims to promote more healthful options in school vending machines, snack bars and cafeterias across the country.

The USDA's updated regulations, which are open to public comment for 60 days, will set nutrition standards and calorie limits for snack foods that are sold in schools.

"Parents and teachers work hard to instill healthy eating habits in our kids, and these efforts should be supported when kids walk through the schoolhouse door," wrote Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in a release announcing the proposal.

The snack rule will complement the standards set for school breakfast and lunch, which took effect last year as part of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act.

"The updated USDA rule could have a major impact on children's diets," Jessica Donze Black, director of the Pew Charitable Trusts Kids' Safe and Healthful Foods Project, tells The Salt in an