Schools Getting Substandard Meat? |
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According to USA Today, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provided low-grade meat to school districts throughout the country for the last three years as part of the National School Lunch Program.
The National School Lunch Program entitles eligible students in public and non-profit private schools to free or reduced-price meals. Under the program, the USDA donates commodity meat products to school districts.
While the USDA contended that meat provided through the program "meets or exceeds standards in commercial products," the USA Today article claimed the standards used by the government fell below those used by fast-food chains and other retailers.
USDA officials reiterated their zero tolerance for food pathogens such as Salmonella and e. Coli. They indicated testing and inspection for school meat exceeded those for meat sold to the general public.
According to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, there will be an independent review testing standards for ground beef products sent to schools next year.
While school districts have made efforts to improve the nutrition and variety on menus, experts believe federal reimbursements are too low. Consequently, school meals often consist of cheap USDA commodities.
Without increases in reimbursement rates and greater systemic changes in the food chain, school districts must opt for industrial meat and produce rather than fresher, locally sourced ingredients.
Furthermore, there is a misconception that school meals automatically qualify as nutritious when they meet current USDA standards. Conforming meals can still contain high levels of refined starches, sodium, fat and heavy processing. Earlier this year, the Institute of Medicine recommended and changes to the USDA nutritional standards.
Ultimately, the National School Lunch Program, like our industrial food system, serves the purpose of feeding the masses for relatively low economic cost. However, it should focus more on exposing students to a wider variety of fresh and sustainable foods that teach them better eating habits.
