The House Education and Workforce Committee recently passed its version of the Child Nutrition Reauthorization bill. The bill includes an expansion of the Agriculture Department’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program to include all forms of fruits and vegetables. This will allow participating schools to serve frozen, canned and dried fruits and vegetables as well as fresh.

Prior to the mark-up, the committee made some technical additions to make clear that products served in the program would meet certain nutrition requirements to provide students with the most nutritious fruit and vegetable options. Language was also included to allow tree nut products to be served alongside fruits and vegetables

A timeline for consideration of the bill on the House floor has not been announced.