Title: Why Some Schools Are Saying ‘No Thanks’ to the School-Lunch Program | TIME.com
Headings: Why Some Schools Are Saying ‘No Thanks’ to the School-Lunch Program
Nutrition
Why Some Schools Are Saying ‘No Thanks’ to the School-Lunch Program

Content: Why Some Schools Are Saying ‘No Thanks’ to the School-Lunch Program | TIME.com
Nutrition
Why Some Schools Are Saying ‘No Thanks’ to the School-Lunch Program
By Alexandra Sifferlin Aug. 29, 2013
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UPDATED* States are reporting that some of their schools are dropping out of the healthier school-lunch program because they can’t afford to participate. But does that really mean nutritious school lunches (and snacks) are doomed? The majority of the nation’s schools — about 94% — are participating in the National School Lunch Program, which reimburses schools for the meals they serve and provides food at lower cost to feed lower-income students. These schools must follow new criteria required by the 2010 Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act, and include more grains, fresh fruits and vegetables in lunches. But for some, these changes are pretty challenging to follow. In a survey conducted this summer of more than 520 district nutrition directors, the School Nutrition Association reported that a very small percentage — 1% — of schools were dropping out of the program for the 2013–14 school year, and 3% were considering abandoning the program. ( MORE: What the New USDA Rules for Healthier School Snacks Mean for Schools)
Why? Kids aren’t buying the better-for-them options in the cafeteria, and that’s leading to a drop in revenue for some schools. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) pays schools back about $2.93 cents per lunch served to a child eligible for free meals, and the USDA offers an additional 6¢ per lunch for schools meeting the standards.