Changes in Store for Student Lunches

ST. PAUL  (AP) - Minnesota students will be heading back to school in a few weeks where they'll find some changes on their lunch trays.

New federal guidelines dictate more fruits and vegetables, smaller portions of meat and protein and fewer calories. St. Paul School District lunch director Jean Ronnei has spent the summer pouring over recipes with her staff dietitians. Ronnei says they're looking for meat alternatives, less sodium, no trans fat and controlled portions of meat.

She says the guidelines offer as many fruits and vegetables as the students want, but limit starches. The Minnesota Department of Education has been working with school districts this summer on ways to convince students to eat healthier.  The strategy includes offering a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.

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