Why Lunchables were removed from schools

A year after offering two newly reformulated Lunchables to schools, Kraft Heinz removed their products from the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). The decision comes months after a report from Consumer Reports revealed that the prepackaged meals showed high levels of sodium, heavy metals, and phthalates—all of which are dangerous for children.

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However, a spokesperson from Kraft Heinz said they pulled out of schools due to low demand, highlighting that the report didn’t affect their decision. Nevertheless, health advisors and administrators commend the decision and are pushing the USDA to uphold stricter regulations for children’s health and nutrition. This article dives deeper into why Lunchables were removed from schools and the healthier alternatives that could replace them.

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Lunchables under heat: Concerns over nutrition and safety rise

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Lunchables were added to the NSLP food choices for the school year 2023-2024 and have since met backlash from nutritionists and advocacy groups. The Center for Science in the Public Interest called the decision “a questionable move for school nutrition.”

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In April, Consumer Reports studied Lunchables in retail stores and found that five out of 12 tested meal sets “would expose someone to 50% or more of California’s maximum allowable dose level (MADL) for lead or cadmium.” This finding concerned advocates, as heavy metal toxicity can lead to serious neurocognitive disorders in children. As the Center for Disease Control and Prevention stated, “There is no safe blood lead level in children." Any amount would be damaging and could lead to long-term health problems.

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Following their findings, the advocacy group urged the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ban Lunchables from the NSLP, highlighting potential long-term health risks for children. “Lunchables are not a healthy option for kids and shouldn’t be allowed on the menu as part of the National School Lunch Program,” said Brian Ronholm, Director of Food Policy at Consumer Reports. “The USDA should ensure that kids in schools have healthier options.”

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To comply with the USDA's nutritional guidelines for free or reduced-price meals, Kraft Heinz had to reformulate the Lunchables available to schools, adding more protein and dietary fiber. However, an investigation from the Washington Post revealed that the school-compliant versions contained 25% more sodium than those from the grocery stores. The turkey and cheddar cracker kit alone has 900 mg of sodium, more than half of the American Heart Association’s recommended daily intake for children.

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Advocating for healthier school meals

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Health experts applaud Kraft Heinz’s pullback and are now turning the pressure on the USDA to improve their current nutritional guidelines. “The USDA should maintain stricter eligibility standards for the school lunch programs so that the millions of kids that depend on it get the healthier options they deserve,” shared Ronholm. The USDA is considering updating its standards, specifically sodium and sugar amounts, in the coming years.

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Jennifer Pomeranz, a public health policy expert at New York University, also praised the decision, emphasizing the importance of reducing ultra-processed foods in schools.

“Many Lunchables contain unhealthy food items and ingredients. Providing them in schools sends the message that these packaged foods are school-approved and thus healthy,” Pomeranz explained. “Schools should prioritize removing ultra-processed foods and focus on improving infrastructure to offer healthier meal options.”

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Ultra-processed foods are known to impede children’s growth and put children at risk of high blood pressure and other diseases. They lack the essential nutrients children need for proper development and have excessive amounts of sugar, calories, and unhealthy fats.

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All these can lead to excessive weight gain and higher risks of obesity, which can further impact growth and development negatively. These also develop unhealthy eating habits for children, which can cause long-term health risks such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

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Whole foods—the better school lunch alternative

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Rather than ultra-processed foods with empty calories and saturated fats, health experts encourage eating whole foods made from scratch using fresh ingredients. These foods promote better nutrient absorption, ensuring children get the essential nutrients for healthy growth such as calcium, iron, and magnesium.

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They’re also naturally low in sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats, reducing the risk of obesity and long-term cardiovascular problems. Rich in brain-boosting nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, whole foods support children’s brain development, improving their focus and retention in school.

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Eating meals made from scratch also gives children the energy to perform at their best throughout the day. It improves not just their physical growth but also their mental function, emotional well-being, and social interactions.

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Serve whole foods made from scratch with Ordo

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Providing students with nutritious school meals can be as convenient as buying pre-packaged meal sets. At Ordo, we work with chefs and catering services to provide students with scratch-made healthy meals that meet USDA standards. With our expertise, schools can ensure students receive the nutrition they need without the hassle of ordering and for no additional cost.

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Ordo supports schools by providing delicious, nutritious meals tailored to students’ needs. Working with districts nationwide, we ensure students enjoy fresh, balanced meals and schools follow USDA nutritional guidelines without unnecessary costs. As schools strive to make healthy food accessible for all, Ordo is proud to help them serve meals students love and families trust.

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Ordo has become America's fastest-growing school food program, providing fresh meals made from scratch every day in our kitchens. Our chefs focus on cooking homestyle food that’s both nutritious and what students love. Healthy meals result in better student outcomes, and administrators who invest in their nutrition programs invest in their schools.

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Students and parents can place their orders through their ordering app and choose from seasonal menus with 4 to 6 different options daily, like Tex Mex Crunch Salad with Creamy Lime Dressing or Chicken Bacon Wrap with Pretzels, Carrots & Ranch.

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Our online platform automates compliance paperwork for reimbursable meals, tracks important metrics like daily participation rate, and handles all payment and order processing. Ordo offers both vended meal service, where we deliver the food every day, and onsite food service management with our chefs preparing food on campus. We have served all types of schools, from preschools and daycare centers to private and public schools. We’ve worked with some of the top brands in early education and child care, including Guidepost Montessori, Bright Horizons, Primrose, and more.

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If you’re interested in providing fresh, healthy food for your school, you can reach out to the school partnerships team here.