In theory, the new healthy meal standards make great sense. Who wouldn't support more whole grains, fruits and veggies in school meals? In fact: 72% of parents in the US support strong nutrition standards for school foods; that's a 3-1 margin! A majority of students and public health leaders like the new standards, too. 

And now we have even more data to confirm we're headed in the right direction. A new study from the Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity published in Childhood Obesity confirms that kids are eating more fruit, and throwing away less of their lunch, then before the standards went into effect.

The findings directly contradict the anecdotal reports of increased plate waste, widely shared through popular media by opponents of the new healthy standards. Moms knew the truth all along, #AmIRite? Healthy meals make great sense for kids!   

Findings from the report:

• More students are choosing fruit since the updated standards went into effect. The percentage of students choosing fruit for lunch increased from 54% in 2012 to 65% in 2014.
• The amount of fruit students consume has remained stable over the three-year period. Students ate 74% of the fruit they selected for lunch.
• Fewer students chose a vegetable (68% in 2012 compared with 52% in 2014), but the percentage of vegetables they consumed increased by nearly 20%, which effectively decreased the amount of vegetables thrown away.
• Fewer students chose a vegetable (68% in 2012 compared with 52% in 2014), but the percentage of vegetables they consumed increased by nearly 20%, which effectively decreased the amount of vegetables thrown away.
• Students consumed more of their lunch entrees (up from 71% of their entree in 2012 to 84% in 2014), thus also decreasing food waste. 

Next up? Let's continue to support schools as they implement the new meal and snack standards. Ask your kids what they're eating at school. Encourage them to try new foods. And thank your school for making the school day healthy! Over 90% of schools are meeting the new standards. This is a huge victory for healthy kids and communities!!