New School Meal Regulations Increase Fruit Consumption and Do Not Increase Total Plate Waste

June 2015

This study conducted by the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity combats the anecdotal reports that the new meal standards have contributed to an increase in food waste in the lunchroom. Through empirical research conducted before and after implementation of the new meal standards, the study concludes that students responded positively to the new lunches. They consumed more fruit, threw away less of the entrees and vegetables, and consumed the same amount of milk. Overall, the revised meal standards and policies appear to have significantly lowered plate waste in school cafeterias.