Kraft Heinz removes Lunchables from Nationwide College Lunch Program

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Kraft Heinz has stopped making its Lunchables out there via the Nationwide College Lunch Program (NSLP).

Inadequate demand for the 2 Lunchables merchandise that Kraft Heinz made final 12 months for the NSLP prompted the corporate to withdraw them, Kraft Heinz advised FOX Enterprise on Wednesday.

“Last year, we brought two NSLP compliant Lunchables options to schools that had increased protein,” Kraft Heinz mentioned. “While many school administrators were excited to have these options, the demand did not meet our targets. This happens occasionally across our brand portfolio, especially as we explore new sales channels. Lunchable products are not available in schools this year and we hope to revisit at a future date.”

The corporate additionally famous that “the NSLP compliant Lunchable sales last school year were far less than 1% of overall Lunchable sales, so business impact is negligible.” 

“We’re pleased that Kraft Heinz has pulled Lunchables from the school lunch program after lower than expected demand from school districts across the country,” Client Stories Director of Meals Coverage Brian Ronholm mentioned in a press launch. “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.”

Lunchables, significantly the 2 higher-protein gadgets that Kraft Heinz made for the NSLP, obtained consideration within the spring following a report from Client Stories that argued they shouldn’t be provided within the NSLP. The product was launched practically 4 many years in the past.

CONSUMER REPORTS SAYS USDA NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM SHOULD DROP LUNCHABLES

Client Stories claimed in April that Lunchables and different prepackaged lunch kits it examined “contained concerning levels of sodium and harmful chemicals that can lead to serious health problems over time,” equivalent to lead or cadmium. For Lunchables, a comparability of the store-bought and school-geared Lunchables steered the latter had increased sodium, in keeping with Client Stories.

In response to the report, Kraft Heinz beforehand mentioned that it “stand[s] by the quality and integrity that goes into making” Lunchables and that its merchandise all “meet strict safety standards set by government agencies.” It known as the Client Stories report “misleading.”

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The corporate advised FOX Enterprise on Wednesday that curiosity teams didn’t affect the corporate’s transfer to not make its Lunchables out there via the NSLP this 12 months, reiterating it was primarily based on demand.