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Study: The plan to make school lunches healthier is working

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – A study led by the University of Washington says the plan to make school lunches healthier is working.

The researchers looked at 7,200 students in three middle schools and three high schools in Washington state, before and after new meal standards went into effect.

In 2012, the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Acts was signed into law, requiring foods served as part of the National School Lunch Program to contain more whole grains, vegetables and fruits.

The data from students’ food selections were collected daily from Jan. 2011 through Jan. 2014.

The rules cap calories per meal and require at least one serving of fruits or vegetables.

Researchers found school participation did not change, and students are now getting more vitamins and minerals in their meals.

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