Indicators of success in providing whole grains in school meals: The HealthierUS School Challenge in 2018

In 2005, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) emphasized that American children, adolescents, and adults should consume at least half of the servings as whole grains (3 servings daily).4 Since many children are enrolled in public school, promoting whole grains in school meals may facilitate an increase in the consumption of whole grain foods.
This study was designed to determine the different methods HealthierUS School Challenge Gold rated schools use to incorporate whole grain food products in school meals. Participants encountered many barriers while attempting to add whole grain food products to their menus. Participants have found ways to successfully incorporate whole grains into their school meals. Since 2008 there has been an increase in schools that have achieved the HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC) Gold status. Although, the HUSSC ended July 1st, 2018, schools are still in a unique position to incorporate more nutritionally balanced food choices on their menus.