The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act does not meet the dietary needs of all of the students. Students who are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free are not all offered fair and equal substitutes.
According to National Center of Education Statistics, there will be 49.8 million students enrolled in public schools in 2014.
Meaning:
-1,992,000 Students of 49.8 million are estimated to identify as Vegetarian (500,000 of those Vegan)
-374,436 Students of 49.8 million are estimated to be Gluten-Free
-4,980,000 Students of 49.8 million are estimated to be Lactose-Free
The rigid standards do not represent the needs of all students, and vastly under serve those whose needs it does meet. Amending the Act will increase participation and better provide equal lunch access to every student.