In a collaborative effort to emphasize the importance of school nutrition, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) teamed up with the U.S. Department of Education and various educational and school meal partner organizations to host a virtual pep rally on August 29, 2024. The event marked the beginning of the back-to-school season, celebrating the individuals and organizations dedicated to educating and nourishing the nation’s schoolchildren.

The rally underscored the critical role of school meals in the educational environment and highlighted recent initiatives by the Biden-Harris Administration to enhance the quality and accessibility of nutritious school meals.

As schools across the country prepare for the new academic year, the Biden-Harris Administration has made significant strides in supporting school nutrition programs. These efforts are aimed at ensuring that students have access to healthy meals that are essential for their success in the classroom.

According to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, “Healthy school meals are an essential part of the educational environment and fuel children to learn, grow and thrive.” He emphasized the USDA’s commitment to student success, noting that the rally served as an opportunity to unite and inspire continued progress in school meal programs. The rally also served as a platform to express gratitude to the various partners, including schools, districts, states, and the industry, who play a vital role in linking healthy meals to the future of children.

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, drawing from his experience as a teacher and school principal, also spoke at the event. He highlighted the hard work of school nutrition professionals and the positive impact of providing students with nutritious meals.

Cardona stated, “This rally is a reminder: school is not just a place where students go to learn reading and math. At its best, a school is a hub of the community, and one of the first places that a student and their family can get their most basic needs met.” His remarks underscored the broader role of schools in meeting the basic needs of students, with nutritious meals being a cornerstone of this mission.

Earlier in the year, the USDA introduced updated nutrition standards that are designed to give schools greater flexibility in planning and preparing healthy meals. These new standards, which come into effect this school year, are part of a broader effort to improve the nutritional quality of school meals.

Schools now have more options to incorporate a variety of protein-rich foods into breakfast menus, such as yogurt, tofu, eggs, nuts, and seeds. These options not only reduce the reliance on sugary foods but also accommodate vegetarian diets and other food preferences. Additionally, the USDA has made it easier for schools to procure local foods, allowing them to prioritize unprocessed agricultural products that are locally grown, raised, or caught. More details on these options can be found on the USDA’s Procuring Local Foods webpage.

School meals are a vital source of nutrition for millions of children across the United States, with approximately 30 million students benefiting from these programs every school day. The updated standards and new meal options are part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure that these meals are not only nutritious but also appealing to students. By offering healthier and tastier options, the USDA aims to encourage better eating habits that will support the overall well-being and academic performance of students.

As stated in the official press release, the rally highlighted the Administration’s ongoing commitment to improving school meal programs and ensuring that all students have the opportunity to thrive. The collaboration between the USDA, the Department of Education, and various partner organizations exemplifies a shared dedication to the health and education of the nation’s children. As the new school year begins, these efforts are poised to make a significant impact, helping to create a learning environment where students can flourish both academically and personally.