(Radio Iowa) - The Iowa legislature is considering a bill to override federal nutritional requirements for school breakfast and lunch programs.
If the bill becomes law, the Iowa Department of Education would seek federal approval to adopt state-specific nutritional guidelines that make servings of meat and dairy products top priorities. The bill says regional food sources - like corn, pork and milk - are not adequately addressed by federal guidelines. Federal guidelines for school meals include sodium and calorie limits and emphasize whole grains, fruits, vegetable and low-fat dairy products.
The bill would have state officials seek a federal waiver and the state would develop its own set of nutritional guidelines for meals served in schools.