Healthier School Lunches Required By State Law Make A Positive Difference

New USDA National School Lunch Program rules require schools to provide healthier lunch options. U.S. researchers wondered if such state mandates make a difference to student eating patterns. In a study using data from the two states (at the time) that mandated a minimum number of servings of fruits and vegetables for high school students, researchers found that kids do eat at least a little healthier. The requirements had the most impact on students who had little or no access to fruits and vegetables at home. At the time the data were collected, the only states in the study that required minimum servings of fruits and vegetables were California and Mississippi.