WASHINGTON, DC – Following last year’s backlash to the implementation of new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rules for the School Lunch and Breakfast Programs, U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today called on Kansans to examine USDA proposed rules for school snacks and beverages which will determine what is available to students in vending machines and in al la carte offerings of school meals.

“After hearing from many students, parents and school administrators that the changes to the School Lunch and Breakfast Program were leaving active kids hungry at the end of the day, we want to make sure Kansans are aware of the new proposed snack rules and can offer their opinions to try and prevent the problems we had with the meal program,” Roberts said. “We want to ensure students have access to food that helps them thrive and that schools will not be impacted by unintended consequences.”

USDA has opened a required 60 day comment period on the new snack or “competitive foods” proposed rules. The rules and how to comment can be found here.

Last year, Senator Roberts requested -- and USDA provided -- additional flexibility for schools in implementing the new school meal guidelines but remains concerned about food waste and costs of the new policies.

Senator Roberts is an outspoken advocate for the elimination of ridiculous and burdensome regulations issued by the agenda driven Obama Administration. From the School Lunch Program to healthcare, Roberts has fought this executive overreach and won. He has introduced a bill, S.191, to get rid of regulations that hurt the nation’s struggling economy.

Senator Roberts is a senior member of Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry which has jurisdiction on school nutrition programs.

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