Shortly after becoming Agriculture Commissioner, Adam Putnam asked lawmakers to move the state’s school lunch program to his agency. Lawmakers approved the change in 2011. Putnam stopped by WUSF’s studios this week for an interview with Florida Matters. Host Carson Cooper asked Putnam what has changed since his agency took over school food programs. Q: […]
Florida and other states are phasing in new standards for school lunches. Fat and calories are being reduced as more fruits and vegetables are offered. The National School Lunch Program requirements stem from the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, which focuses on improving child nutrition. Starting this school year (2012‐2013), school lunches have new […]
National School Lunch Week begins Monday. Schools around Florida have activities planned to promote new, healthier menus. Federal requirements were put into place this year as part of the National School Lunch Program. Fruits and vegetables must be offered every day to students eating school lunch. Jackie Moalli, Outreach Manager with the Florida Dept of […]
Florida has gone to a lot of trouble to follow federal guidelines for a healthy mix of protein, produce, grains and dairy in school lunches. Local districts follow requirements for proper portions, serving sizes and limits on fat intake — without paying much attention to calories. The restrictions used to be that less than 30 […]
If you’re interested in what your kids are eating at school, a live webcast tonight will shed some light. The discussion is about changes to school meals and how families can help kids and schools make the transition. The changes stem from the federal Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. It gives the U.S. Department […]
We know that a lot of children depend on schools for their meals through free and reduced-price food programs. So when school is not in session, these kids may go hungry for much of the day. It’s a problem big enough that the Florida Department of Agriculture provides a summer food program. Funds go to […]
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