Guidelines and Lunch Lines
Implementing the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) in Schools
One of the most significant changes on the horizon with the federal nutrition standards is the implementation of the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs), particularly as it pertains to school meal programs. The new guidelines, which will come into effect for the 2025-2026 school year, emphasize a reduction in added sugars, among other crucial updates. This shift presents both a challenge and an opportunity for school foodservice operations, and it’s essential for all stakeholders to start preparing now.
A Focus on Added Sugars
The 2020-2025 DGAs emphasize the importance of reducing added sugars in the diets of all Americans, especially for children and adolescents. The updated guidelines state that no more than 10% of total daily calories should come from added sugars. This is a crucial shift, particularly for schools, as a large portion of students’ daily nutrition intake comes from the meals served in the cafeteria.
Added sugars are those sugars that are not naturally occurring in foods but are added during processing or preparation. These sugars can be found in everything from sweetened beverages to snacks, breakfast items, sauces, and even certain dairy products. The push to limit added sugars is in response to growing concerns about childhood obesity, diabetes, and other health issues associated with high sugar consumption.
In response to the July 1, 2024, Final Ruling on these updates, which will officially take effect in the 2025-2026 school year, schools will need to make several adjustments in their menu planning, food procurement, and meal preparation processes to comply with these new guidelines. The goal is to provide students with nutritious meals that support their long-term health and well-being.
Key Areas for Change: What Schools Need to Know
Updated Meal Patterns and Nutritional Requirements
As part of the new DGAs, the USDA’s School Meal Program will incorporate stricter limits on the amount of added sugars that can be included in school meals. This will affect both breakfast and lunch menus, as well as snack offerings and a la carte items. Schools will be required to adhere to these limits and may need to reformulate recipes, adjust portion sizes, or explore new product offerings to meet the new criteria.
For example, a school breakfast that traditionally includes sugary cereals or pastries may need to be replaced with healthier options, such as whole-grain cereals or fruit-based dishes with no added sugars. Similarly, beverages such as flavored milk or fruit drinks may need to be reexamined to ensure they meet the new guidelines.
Reevaluating Beverage Options
One of the most significant contributors to added sugars in school meals is sugary beverages, particularly sodas, sweetened juices, and flavored milks. Under the new DGAs, schools will need to limit these types of drinks and focus on serving plain water, unsweetened milk, or 100% fruit juice in controlled portions.
School nutrition directors may need to partner with suppliers to source lower-sugar beverages or explore alternatives like water stations, flavored water with no added sugars, or nutrient-dense smoothies made with whole fruits and vegetables.
Product Sourcing and Ingredient Labels
With the focus on reducing added sugars, school districts will need to work closely with food manufacturers and suppliers to identify and select products that align with the new standards. This means reviewing ingredient labels more carefully to identify hidden sources of added sugars, which may be listed under various names such as corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, honey, or agave nectar.
Collaboration with trusted vendors will be essential to ensuring that the products being served are in line with the guidelines, without sacrificing flavor or student satisfaction. Some companies have already begun producing products with reduced added sugars, and others will likely follow suit as demand grows.
Recipe Modification and Menu Planning
To comply with the new guidelines, kitchen managers will likely need to revisit existing recipes and adjust them to cut back on added sugars. This could involve using naturally sweet ingredients like fruits, vegetables, or spices (such as cinnamon or vanilla) to enhance flavor instead of relying on sugar.
It may also mean reducing portion sizes of traditionally sugar-heavy foods, such as baked goods or condiments, while still ensuring that meals are balanced and meet students’ nutritional needs. Schools may want to consult with nutritionists or dietitians to create new, sugar-reduced recipes that still appeal to children’s tastes.
The Role of Equipment Providers: Supporting Schools in Transition
Tray sealers and flow wrappers are essential tools for streamlining meal packaging in school cafeterias. AmeriPak’s packaging equipment ensure that meals are sealed securely, preserving their freshness and nutritional integrity while meeting health and safety standards.
Additionally, our packaging solutions are an excellent way to portion meals, making it easier to adhere to portion control guidelines recommended by the DGAs. With precise portioning, schools can offer balanced meals that meet nutritional requirements, reduce food waste, and improve overall meal satisfaction.
Preparing for the Future: A Partnership for Success
As the 2025-2026 school year approaches, it is crucial for school nutritionists, kitchen managers, and district administrators to begin planning now for the changes ahead. By proactively addressing the new added sugar guidelines, schools can not only stay in compliance but also make a lasting, positive impact on student health and wellness.
Working together with equipment providers and other industry leaders, schools can successfully navigate the transition to healthier, more balanced meals that meet the needs of students while also supporting long-term health goals.
We look forward to being a trusted resource offering both the knowledge and the tools necessary to succeed in providing the best nutrition for tomorrow’s leaders.