Food Experts Ask USDA to Count Pulse Protein Pastas As Meat Alternatives in School Meals

A coalition of over 100 food, farming, and nutrition experts is urging the USDA to incorporate more pulse-based ingredients into school meals to help children meet dietary guidelines. The group is calling for pulse protein pastas to be counted as standalone proteins in school meals, as well as for all pulse-based flours to be included in the USDA's Food Buying Guide. These updates would provide schools with more flexibility in menu planning and help them meet protein and fiber requirements.

This initiative comes in response to recent national dietary guidelines that promote red meat and other animal proteins, sparking backlash from nutrition and health experts. In contrast, the coalition is advocating for a focus on plant-based proteins, such as pulses, to improve the nutritional quality of school meals and combat diet-related chronic conditions in children. By incorporating more pulses into school meals, operators can offer healthier and more affordable options for students.