Associated Press Published

W.Va. School Board Considering Changes to Nutrition Standards

School Lunch Line

The West Virginia Board of Education has voted for a 30-day public comment period for proposed policy changes that would tie the state’s standard for school meals and snacks with federal minimum requirements.

The Charleston Gazette-Mail reports the public comment period for proposed changes to Policy 4321.1 received no dissenting votes on Wednesday.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue said in a news release that he signed a proclamation last month that restores local control of guidelines on whole grains, sodium and milk.

Kate Long, co-director of Try This West Virginia, told the board that many parents in West Virginia depend on strong nutritional policies and utilize them to fight childhood obesity.

Following the public comment period, the board will vote on the proposed changes.