W.Va. “ahead of the curve” on new USDA school lunch guidelines

When it comes to the state that ranks the third highest in the nation for obesity rates, it might be surprising to learn that West Virginia is slightly “ahead of the curve” when it comes to nutrition in school meals, according to Amy Gannon of the WVU Extension Service.

In January, the USDA released new guidelines for the nation’s school breakfast and lunch program. The new guidelines focus on improved nutrition, which Gannon said is important since children often receive 2/3 of their meals during school.

Learn more about the new guidelines…

Meet Amy Gannon

Youth Specialist for Family Nutrition Programs

Eat your vegetables. It’s a mantra for many parents across the state, but for WVU Extension Service’s Amy Gannon, getting kids excited about nutrition is more than a saying, it’s her job.

Gannon serves as a faculty member for the Family Nutrition Programs. As a registered and licensed dietitian, she works to promote pediatric and adolescent nutrition across the state, focusing particularly on limited-resource audiences.