USDA is lifting its strict limitations on calories from protein and grains that are part of the new National School Lunch and Breakfast programs guidelines for the current school year. Last month, Senators John Hoeven (R-ND) and Mark Pryor (D-AR) had written USDA stating their concerns about “strict calorie limits, protein sufficiency, increased costs and lack of flexibility to adapt the program to the individual needs of some students.” The senators said the rule could cause problems for students from low income families, student athletes or students in school districts with limited operating budgets. USDA said this will allow school districts additional time to meet the new standards.