Healthy Meal Time Act of 2022

Healthy Meal Time Act of 2022

This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to enter into an agreement with an independent, nonpartisan, science-based research organization to carry out a study on the time lunches are served, the time that recess is offered, and the duration of lunch periods at schools participating in the National School Lunch Program.

USDA must also

• make the findings of the study publicly available online;
• establish a task force, in coordination with the Department of Education, to review the study, review other related research, and develop best practices for lunch and recess periods to ensure student health, including appropriate nutritional intake; and
• issue guidance regarding such best practices to schools participating in the National School Lunch Program.

Bill 117 HR 6526, also known as the Healthy Meal Time Act of 2022, aims to improve the nutritional quality of meals served in schools across the United States. The bill focuses on ensuring that students have access to healthy and balanced meals during the school day.

One of the key provisions of the bill is the establishment of nutritional guidelines for school meals. These guidelines would require schools to offer a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in their meal options. Additionally, the bill would limit the amount of added sugars, sodium, and unhealthy fats in school meals.

The Healthy Meal Time Act also includes provisions to increase access to free and reduced-price meals for low-income students. The bill would streamline the application process for these programs and expand eligibility to ensure that all students in need have access to nutritious meals. Furthermore, the bill addresses food waste in schools by encouraging the donation of unused food to local food banks and shelters. Schools would also be required to implement strategies to reduce food waste and promote sustainability in their meal programs. Overall, the Healthy Meal Time Act of 2022 aims to promote the health and well-being of students by improving the nutritional quality of meals served in schools. By establishing guidelines for healthy meal options, increasing access to free and reduced-price meals, and addressing food waste, the bill seeks to ensure that all students have access to nutritious meals during the school day.