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: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.