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WASHINGTON – Today, Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC), joined by 12 Committee Members, sent a letter to Department of Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack raising concerns over the agency’s proposed rule, “Child Nutrition Programs: Revisions to Meal Patterns Consistent With the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.” Chairwoman Foxx and the Members argue that the rule shifts school districts’ focus from students’ academic success to unrealistic regulatory requirements. 

In the letter, the Members write: “The proposed revisions to meal patterns would implement unrealistic standards that would significantly increase costs, further burdening schools and school personnel. … School cafeterias are facing a time of intense difficulty. As a result of the inflation inflicted on the economy by the Biden administration’s policies, escalating food costs are disrupting school meal service.”

The Members continue: “Increased competition, coupled with a continuing nationwide truck driver shortage, would only worsen the hurdles schools currently face in securing a dependable food supply that meets very prescriptive standards.”

The Members conclude: “The proposed rule is estimated to result in additional expenditures of $1.4 billion over six school years. With districts already facing steep costs, they cannot be expected to take on even more debt. We all want children to consume healthy and nutritious meals. However, this proposed rule forces unrealistic standards upon schools without evidence of any desired benefit.”  

The letter is signed by: Glenn Thompson (R-PA), Tim Walberg (R-MI), Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Rick Allen (R-GA), Jim Banks (R-IN), James Comer (R-KY), Burgess Owens (R-UT), Lisa McClain (R-MI), Michelle Steel (R-CA), Nathaniel Moran (R-TX), Brandon Williams (R-NY), and Erin Houchin (R-IN).

To read the full letter, click here.

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