(NAFB) – The USDA announced updates to the school nutrition standards that give schools a path forward.

The agency says these actions support the dedicated school meal program operators who provide critical nutrition to millions of children every day at school. The new standards begin in the school year 2022-2023 and continue through the following school year. The new requirements allow schools and childcare providers to serve one percent low-fat milk, as well as nonfat flavored milk and nonfat or low-fat unflavored milk.

At least 80 percent of the grains served in school lunches and breakfasts each week must be whole-grain rich. The weekly sodium limit for school lunches and breakfasts will remain at the current levels for 2022-2023, and the school lunch limit will drop 10 percent the following year in 2023-2024.

All of the other nutrition standards, including fruits and vegetable requirements, will remain the same as the 2012 standards.