Jan. 21—Local schools could avoid new federal standards for healthier breakfasts and snack foods under a fiscal 2014 spending bill Congress is expected to vote on this week.
The waiver provision was added to the $1 trillion bill by an Alabama Republican whose constituents told him students are unhappy with the smaller portions and healthier ingredients.
“We hear from our lunch ladies, and they are very compelling people,” said Brian Rell, a spokesman for Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Haleyville. “We have heard from a grassroots level that this is an issue, and it’s a costly issue.”