(November 1, 2011) Today, the US Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2012 Agriculture Appropriations Bill, including language to lift USDA’s proposed meal pattern restrictions on starchy vegetables served in school meals. Specifically, the bill prohibits the use of funds to implement a rule that sets maximum limits on the serving of vegetables in school meal programs or is inconsistent with the recommendations of the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans for vegetables.

A conference committee will be assigned to resolve the differences between the House and Senate Agriculture Appropriations bills. When the final bill is drafted, it must be approved by both Houses of Congress before being sent to the President for his signature. SNA will keep members apprised of any new developments.