(NAFB.com) – The USDA joined the Education Department and other education, parent, and school meal partner groups to celebrate new school meal options as the educational year begins in the U.S. The organizations held a virtual pep rally to celebrate the back-to-school season and thank the champions that educate and nourish our nation’s school children. “Healthy school meals are an essential part of the educational environment and fuel children to learn, grow, and thrive,” says Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack. “USDA is fully committed to setting kids up for success, and this rally gives us the opportunity to come together and encourage one another to raise the bar for school meals as the new school year gets going.” Beginning this year, schools have more options to serve protein-rich breakfast foods such as yogurt, tofu, eggs, nuts, and seeds, which can help them offer less sugary foods while also supporting vegetarian diets and other food preferences.