On February 3, 2023, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a proposal to make gradual yet significant changes to school nutrition requirements on whole grains, sugar, and sodium. At that time, the USDA also announced that a public comment period would be available through April 10, 2023. However, on April 7, 2023 that period was extended through May 10, 2023.

To date, the USDA has received nearly 66,000 comments from the public.

In essence, the USDA’s proposed changes to school nutrition requirements would compel schools to offer mostly whole grain products beginning in the fall of 2024, as well as gradual sugar and sodium content reductions happening through 2029.