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New Dietary Guidelines Aim for Healthier School Meals

4/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. President Donald Trump administration issued new dietary guidelines emphasizing whole, nutrient-dense foods for healthier school meals.
Experts say implementation will take time, according to former USDA officials and health experts.
In Sioux Falls, adopting the guidelines could raise grocery bills by over $1,000 annually, creating affordability concerns.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to support schools in providing healthier meals, but changing established systems remains a challenge.

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Story summary

The U.S. President Donald Trump administration issued new dietary guidelines emphasizing whole, nutrient-dense foods for healthier school meals.
Experts say implementation will take time, according to former USDA officials and health experts.
In Sioux Falls, adopting the guidelines could raise grocery bills by over $1,000 annually, creating affordability concerns.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to support schools in providing healthier meals, but changing established systems remains a challenge.