House GOP proposes healthy school lunch opt-out

WASHINGTON — House Republicans are proposing to let some schools opt out of healthier school lunch and breakfast programs if they are losing money. A GOP spending bill for agriculture and food programs released Monday would allow schools to apply for waivers if they are losing money on school lunch programs for six months in a row. Championed by first lady Michelle Obama, the new standards have been phased in over the last two school years, with more changes coming in 2014. The rules set fat, calorie, sugar and sodium limits on foods in the lunch line and beyond. A House subcommittee is expected to consider the Republican plan to roll back the lunch rules on Tuesday.