View Rule

Statement of Need: This final rule will implement the requirement in section 201 of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111-296) (the Act) that USDA promulgate regulations to update the meal patterns and nutrition standards for school lunches and breakfasts based on recommendations made by the Institute of Medicine (IOM). USDA issued a proposed rule on January 13, 2011. The Act requires USDA to issue interim or final regulations not later than 18 months after promulgation of the proposed regulation. This final rule will implement meal patterns and nutrition standards recommended by IOM in its report "School Meals: Building Blocks for Healthy Children." In addition, the final rule will address the comments submitted by the public in response to USDA's proposed rule.

Summary of the Legal Basis: The meal patterns and nutrition standards for school lunches and breakfast are established in 7 CFR 210.10 and 7 CFR 220.8, respectively. State agencies monitor compliance with the meal patterns and nutrition standards through program reviews authorized in 7 CFR 210.19.

Alternatives: None.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits: Expected Costs Analysis and Budgetary Effects Statement: While there are no increased Federal costs associated with implementation of this final rule, the Act provides schools that comply with the new meal requirements with an increased Federal reimbursement. The Act also provides Federal funding for training, technical assistance, certification, and oversight activities related to compliance with this rule. It is expected that the total costs of compliance with the final rule will exceed $100 million per year. Expected Benefits of the Proposed Action: The final rule is projected to make substantial improvements to the meals served daily in over 101,000 schools nationwide to more than 31 million children. It will align school meals with national nutrition guidelines and help safeguard the health of school children.

Risks: None known.