Variability in Dietary Quality of an Elementary School Lunch Menu with Changes in National School Lunch Program Nutrition Standards

Abstract

Objectives There have been numerous changes to the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) nutrition standards over the past 10 years. The Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA, 2010) presumably improved dietary quality (DQ) of reimbursable school meals from previous standards, while Child Nutrition Program Flexibilities (CNP Flexibilities, 2017) appear to decrease DQ. However, this variability in DQ has not been quantified. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine differences in nutrient content and DQ between elementary school lunch menus meeting recent NSLP nutrition standards, School Meal Initiatives (SMI, 1995), HHFKA (2012), and CNP Flexibilities (2017), as well as with evidence-based school lunch best practices implemented (BP). Methods A base menu, deemed typical by expert opinion, was portioned per three versions of NSLP nutrition standards (SMI, HHFKA, CNP Flexibilities) and BP for elementary schoolchildren, and analyzed for nutrient content and DQ using ESHA Food Processor and The Healthy Eating Index (HEI) 2015. Statistical analyses included one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, and Dunnett's test. The level of significance was set at P < 0.0083. Results The BP menu had significantly higher whole fruit (317%) and whole grain (669%) HEI scores than the SMI menu. The BP and HHFKA menus had higher refined grain (156%) and added sugar (2%) HEI scores than the SMI menu. The SMI menu had lower total vegetable (49-50%) and saturated fat (43-51%) HEI scores compared to all other menus. Results were significant (ps < 0.0083). Conclusions This study provides important information for guiding future policy towards further improving NSLP nutrition standards in their mission to provide healthy food to children, combatting malnutrition and obesity. Continuing to improve NSLP policy has the potential to impact the health, academic performance, and future of US children through higher DQ school lunches. Funding Sources None.

Identification of Dish-Based Dietary Patterns for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner and Their Diet Quality in Japanese Adults

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“…Additionally, the HEI was used to measure DQ, which has been shown to be both valid and reliable [23]. The methodology used for menu analysis has been utilized in previous studies [26,33]. and undergone peer-review screening.…”

“…The HEI-2015 has been deemed a reliable and valid measure of DQ for anyone two years of age or older and to whom the Dietary Guidelines for Americans apply to [23]. HEI scores were calculated through a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that was developed by one of the investigators [26].…”

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