This is a reminder that the New York State Education Department (NYSED) has officially implemented updated school nutrition standards, effective July 1, 2025. These changes reflect the USDA’s final rule on school meals and will affect breakfast and lunch service across all grade levels.
Key Highlights Include:
• Flavored Milk: Must now be fat-free or low-fat (1%) and only available to grades 6–12.
• Added Sugars:
– Yogurt must contain no more than 12g of added sugars per 6 oz
– Breakfast cereals limited to 6g of added sugars per dry oz
• Whole Grains:
– At least 80% of weekly grains offered must be whole grain-rich
• Sodium Reductions:
– New Sodium Target 1A in effect for breakfast and lunch (K–12)
– Example: For K–5 lunches, sodium must not exceed 1,110 mg/week
• Menu Planning Flexibilities:
– Greater flexibility in menu planning for schools operating multiple age groups
Details here:
NYSED Nutrition Standards Update