Overview
- Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. toured Cunningham Elementary in Austin to promote cutting ultra-processed foods and called the district’s approach a model.
- Austin ISD officials said they already emphasize fresh, locally sourced ingredients but will face higher costs to meet new guidance that prioritizes whole-muscle proteins and farm-fresh produce.
- The district reported a $4.50 federal reimbursement per meal, with less than a third covering food, and said roughly $2 more per meal would substantially improve offerings.
- About 30 parents and community members protested outside the school, with some keeping children home, citing opposition to Kennedy’s vaccine positions even as some supported his nutrition push.
- USDA sets school meal standards in collaboration with HHS, the revised food pyramid elevates protein and whole foods, and updated federal lunch standards in response have not yet been issued.