Agriculture Department Eases School Lunch Rules

The Agriculture Department has eased its nutritional rules for school lunches. Now government-subsidized meals can contain more meat and grains. The rules enacted earlier this year required cafeterias to serve plenty of fruits and veggies and follow calorie restrictions. The agency said it follows expert guidelines and is part of a government effort to reduce childhood obesity. That rankled lawmakers from meat-and-potato states. They said USDA's new position gives schools more flexibility.