Students will notice major changes to their school meals this year. This is great news for Iowa!

These changes build on the work schools already are doing to provide healthier meals in their cafeterias. Students will now be required to have a fruit or vegetable on their trays to complete a reimbursable meal. Eventually, all grains served at school will be whole grain, and sodium will be greatly reduced. The USDA has mandated these changes to boost nutrition and reduce childhood obesity.  

School meal programs need the support of the school community to succeed. The handout below summarizes the new meal pattern and how you can support the changes. 

 New Meal Pattern Handout

Visit the School Day Just Got Healthier! website to learn more about the new changes to school meals. Click here for more information, or contact Angie Mitchell at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Amanda Miller at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .