USDA cheers healthier school meals this fall

Sep 02, 2024
By Farms.com

Nationwide free nutritious meals for students

The back-to-school season is here, and with it, the USDA, alongside the Education Department, is championing substantial enhancements to school meal programs.

At a recent virtual pep rally, key educational and agricultural leaders thanked those who contribute to the health and education of America’s children.

Updated nutritional standards introduced by the USDA now allow schools more variety in healthy meal offerings, including options that cater to diverse dietary needs and preferences.

Local purchasing programs are encouraged, promoting the integration of local produce and proteins into school meals.

The importance of nutrition in educational environments was a primary focus, with an emphasis on the vital role that balanced, nutritious meals play in student academic performance and overall well-being.

The USDA continues to support schools with resources and funding to ensure that nutritious meals are accessible to all students, reflecting a holistic approach to education and health in the national strategy on hunger, nutrition, and health.

Video: Our Own On-Farm Research Is the Best Source - Managing White Mold in Northeast Nebraska

If you assumed Nebraska was too hot and dry for white mold to be a problem in soybeans, think again.

This week we're featuring Galen Samuelson, a farmer and dealer from Wakefield, Nebraska, who knows all too well how devastating white mold can be.

"We don't have it consistently every year, but with our temperature and humidity, it can hurt us quite bad," Samuelson says. Looking for alternatives, he explains, "What I like about Heads Up is that it's non-harmful to the beneficial fungal colonies in the soil." Galen has been using Heads Up for several years now, after first hearing about it through a small ad in a regional newspaper. Watch below to hear about his journey.

When asked to write about Samuelson Seed, Galen said the following:

"Samuelson Seed is a 4th-generation, family-based company. It started with my grandfather, and I'm now starting to pass the torch to my son, Caleb."

"In the early 1990s, I started working with a company whose focus was on plant and soil health before those benefits were widely known. I've continued to keep plant and soil health the main focus in our farming operation decisions."