Gov. Pillen Joins Rollins and Kennedy Pledging Healthier Meals for School Kids
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Governor Jim Pillen, a strong advocate of reforming America’s diet and food choices, today pledged his support for providing healthier meal options to Nebraska students. He joined federal and state officials, children and others at the U.S. Department of Agriculture headquarters in Washington D.C. in explaining the goals of the pledge as well as additional objectives included in the USDA’s Harvest to Hallways program.
“This is one thing I know – we all agree -- our kids are our future and we’re never, ever going to give up one kid anywhere, anytime, anyplace,” said Gov. Pillen. “This isn’t just a state problem. This isn’t a federal government problem. It’s all our responsibilities as Americans to look after these young people so they can grow up and be extraordinary leaders in the United States of America.”
As part of the pledge, participating school districts can choose from a range of flexible menu updates, such as replacing breakfast pastries with whole-food options, preparing meat using healthier cooking methods, and offering 100% whole-grain products. Schools can also prioritize whole fruits, elevate the quality of school snacks, and offer whole milk to better support student growth.
States can voluntarily implement these meaningful updates within schools that take part in the National School Lunch Program (NLSP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP). Improvements may be adopted as soon as feasible within existing procurement guidelines and federal meal pattern rules.
Gov. Pillen joined USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., touting the benefits of the pledge program at today’s news conference. Just last week, Gov. Pillen joined HHS Sec. Kennedy in highlighting other aspects of President Trump’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda during a visit to the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). The Harvest to Hallways program represents another phase of that agenda, specifically focused on bringing more American agriculture directly into schools. Efforts include connecting cafeterias with farmers and ranchers in their own communities, making investments in school kitchens and equipment as well as eliminating barriers that have made it difficult to serve healthy food within schools.
By joining the pledge, participating states are helping accelerate federal progress as the USDA updates school meal standards through formal rulemaking. The initiative underscores a shared commitment to serving nourishing, whole foods that foster lifelong healthy eating habits.
“I believe this is one of the most incredible opportunities to make a difference for generations to come,” added Gov. Pillen. “I’m thankful to Sec. Rollins and Sec. Kennedy for leading this movement. Nebraska is eager to step up and set an example for other states that sign the pledge as well.”
For more information about the pledge for healthier school meals, visit https://www.fna.usda.gov/schoolmeals/healthier-pledge