Nutrition experts told U.S. News & World Report to interpret these results with caution because some of the children involved in the study might not have been enrolled in the school meals programs. The study noted in its limitations that BMI isn’t a perfect measure of obesity since it doesn’t consider lean body mass. They also didn’t take into account measures of physical activity. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Acts, on the other hand, encouraged wellness policies that included physical activity.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced more changes to school meals, such as limiting added sugars, reducing sodium, and emphasizing whole grains. These changes will be gradual over several years. Plus, the USDA is also recognizing school districts that have created effective strategies for healthful eating and making them role models for school districts across the country. To help those school districts in rural communities, the USDA is awarding federal grants to help them improve the nutritional value of their school meals.