School Meals Get Healthier: Students and Experts React

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) proposed new nutrition standards for snacks foods and beverages sold in U.S. schools in February 2013, the first updated to the rules in more than 30 years. It is an important step toward helping to reduce obesity rates among children and teens.

The proposed rule complements USDA's standards for school meals, which took effect this school year. As a result, students are seeing more fruits, vegetables and whole grains on the menu, as well as less saturated fat and sodium. This video includes students' responses to the more wholesome options, as well as experts' descriptions of what the changes mean for kids and their health. White House chef Sam Kass, USDA Food and Nutrition Service Administrator Audrey Rowe, National PTA President Betsy Landers, and Kids' Safe and Healthful Foods Project Director Jessica Donze Black are featured.

To learn more, visit http://www.HealthySchoolFoodsNow.org.