New USDA school meal regulations are associated with children's increased fruit and vegetable selection but not consumption (384.3)

Increasing children’s consumption of fruits and vegetables (FV) is an important goal of the National School Lunch Program. As of the 2012 school year, USDA requires children to select a fruit or vegetable at lunch. The aim of this study was to compare children’s FV selection and consumption before and after the implementation of the USDA rule. Schools (n=2) in the northeast were enrolled in 2011 (free/reduced meal eligibility 40%, 61%). Students’ (grades 3‐5) selection, consumption and waste of FV were objectively measured using validated methods (digital imaging, direct observation and weighed plate waste) prior to the new rule in spring 2012 (10 visits, tray observations n=498) and again during the 2012/13 school year (11 visits, tray observations n=944). When FV were optional, 15.9% of lunch trays did not contain FV, compared to 2.6% once required. One‐way ANOVAs were calculated on children’s FV selection, consumption and waste before and after the new USDA rules. When required to select FV, children’s lunch trays contained larger amounts (Pre: M =0.69 cups + SE 0.02, Post: M =0.89 cups + SE 0.02; p <0.0001). However, FV consumption decreased (Pre: M =0.51 cups + SE 0.02, Post: M =0.45 + SE 0.01; p =0.01) and waste increased (Pre: M =0.25 cups + SE 0.02, Post: M =0.39 cups + SE 0.01; p <0.0001). When required, more children select FV with school lunch in larger amounts; however this did not result in increased consumption. Grant Funding Source : USDA, Vermont Agricultural Experiment Station and Bickford Scholar Research Fund