Minnesota Nutritionist Gives 'A' To New School Menus

By Steve Murphy, NewsRadio 830 WCCO

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A Minnesota nutrition researcher is giving high marks to the government's new standards for school lunches.

It's the USDA's first overhaul of school menus in 15 years and University of Minnesota professor Jamie Stang said it's the right time.

"There's a lot more processed foods in the schools than there has been in the past so a reform was really needed," she said.

Stang said the call to reduce salt and fat, and add more fruits and vegetables, is right on the mark, but there will be a cost factor.

"That's where the school food service directors really have their jobs cut out for them -- meeting these new guidelines but also managing to balance their budget," she said

The government's mission is better health: a third of students in grades 1 through 12 are overweight or obese.

NewsRadio 830 WCCO's Steve Murphy Reports