Despite the fact that US law (US Code, Title 7, Section 5341) requires all federal nutrition programs to be in line with the latest Dietary Guidelines, whole grains are not required in our National School Lunch Program (or in the breakfast program). Our government encourages whole grains, and supports them, but we all know simply saying “it would be a good idea” is not enough. Our sources at USDA tell us that updates to NSLP requirements are unlikely to come before about 2012.

Many schools serve whole grains nonetheless, and we applaud these schools wildly. In the face of budget cutbacks everywhere, it’s not easy to voluntarily spend more for whole grain products when nothing but your conscience and your concern for kids is making you do so.

Little Rhode Island has just taken a BIG step, and is now mandating that all breads, cereals, and other grain products served in schools must be at least 50% whole grain. In fact, the new rules say, “All grains served in schools must be whole grains. Half of the grain products served can be at least 50 percent whole grain, and the other half must be 100 percent whole grain. Grain products can have no more than 7 grams of sugar per ounce.”

Rhode Island’s new rules also call for more fruits and vegetables, and more variety of both; more legumes; less sodium; and healthier beverages. Appropriately, the new rules were put together by a non-profit group called Kids First. Kudos to Rhode Island for truly putting their kids first, and for serving them healthier whole grain products. (Cindy)