SCHOOL FOOD: Checking Up On The Rules

A former University of Iowa professor is monitoring how schools implement new nutrition rules.

Kevin Concannon now serves as Under Secretary for Food and Nutrition for the USDA. He’s traveling to schools to see the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act in action.

It requires schools to serve a fruit and vegetable each day and more whole grains.

Concannon says he’s working with schools to monitor plate waste and making sure healthy food appeals to kids.    

“Kids react the same way we do. If it’s colorful and presented well it will trigger their interest in it,” says Concannon.

The new food standards apply to all public schools and about half of private schools.