CDC Finds School Lunches Are Becoming Healthier.

The New York Times (8/28, Tavernise, Subscription Publication) reports that new data released yesterday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “showed that the nutritional profile of meals in the nation’s public schools had improved substantially since higher government standards went into effect in 2012.” Nearly 80 percent of schools offered two or more servings of vegetables per meal in 2014, up from 62 percent in 2000. Two or more fruits were offered “in about 78 percent of schools, up from 68 percent in 2000.” According to the Times, experts hope the healthier lunches will help reduce the obesity rate among older children.

        The Los Angeles Times (8/28, Kaplan) reports CDC Director Tom Frieden said in a statement, “School meals are healthier now than ever before,” adding, “We’ve made real progress, but there is much more to do.” The study was published in the agency’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

        The Hill (8/28, Wheeler) reports the CDC also found almost all “schools were offering whole grains at breakfast and lunch, too — 97.2 percent and 94.4 respectively — while nearly one-third of schools, 30.5 percent, were offering self-serve salad bars.”