The U.S. Department of Agriculture has completely revamped its cafeterias after lawmakers in Congress condemned the agency for not following the same dietary guidelines as the nation’s schools. (RELATED: Congressman challenges USDA to follow own school lunch restrictions)
In addition to serving only “fryer-less” food now, taxpayers are on the hook for a “full-time dietitian” at the agency who counsels employees on how to eat appropriately.
There will even be a full-time dietitian on site to answer employee questions, which Choi believes is key in the transition to a fryer-less world. After all, USDA workers can easily sidestep the whole healthful-eating program; they could, for example, take a short trip down Independence Avenue to the Energy Department cafeteria, where the deep fryers are still bubbling.
“I think it’s really vital that we have education,” Choi [chief operating officer for food service company I.L. Creations] said. “Because you can’t just give them a different option that’s healthy and tell them to buy it and eat it.”