Federal Guidelines Slim Down School Lunches

With new, kids and parents can expect to see many changes this year.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is making the first major changes in school meal requirements in 15 years which, the government says, reflect the latest nutrition science and the circumstances of America’s schools.

The new federal guidelines require most schools to "increase the availability of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free and low-fat fluid milk in school meals; reduce the levels of sodium, saturated fat and trans fat in meals; and meet the nutrition needs of school children within their calorie requirements," according to the program's summary.

Read more about the challenges districts face to meet the new guidelines .

That raises the question: How do you think your child will react to the new lunch choices? Will you brown bag it instead? Will you begin to allow your child to buy lunch? What other improvements can be made to lunch offerings?

Share your opinions in the comment section below.