Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen joined Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins and Health Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Junior for a new school meals push called Harvest to Hallways.
he pledge gives participating school districts flexibility to swap out items like breakfast pastries for more whole-food options, use healthier cooking methods for meat, offer 100% whole-grain products, prioritize whole fruits and improve snack quality. Schools may also offer whole milk.
“This is one thing I know, we all agree, our kids are our future and we’re never, ever going to give up one kid anywhere, anytime, anyplace,” Pillen said. “It’s all our responsibilities as Americans to look after these young people so they can grow up and be extraordinary leaders in the United States of America.”
USDA says Harvest to Hallways is designed to connect cafeterias with local farmers and ranchers, invest in school kitchens and equipment, and reduce barriers to serving healthier foods. States and districts could adopt changes voluntarily within existing federal meal rules.
Pillen said Nebraska is ready to help lead the effort.
“I believe this is one of the most incredible opportunities to make a difference for generations to come,” he said. “Nebraska is eager to step up and set an example for other states that sign the pledge as well.”
He encouraged families to adopt healthy practices at the grocery store.
“When you go to the grocery store, stay out of the middle aisles. Go around the outside where you can buy fruits, vegetables, milk from cows, not almond nut juice. Make sure you buy beef and pork, poultry, fish. And then that’s real food,” he said.
Harvest to Hallways includes up to $70 million in investments in school cafeteria infrastructure, an effort to expand schools’ use of local food procurement options, and up to $25 million in additional Farm to School Grants for Fiscal Year 2026.
