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Kraft Heinz is pulling Lunchables from the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). The company said the decision was based on poor demand for the prepackaged lunch kits.
Kraft Heinz introduced two Lunchables options last year, Turkey & Cheddar Cracker Stackers and Extra Cheesy Pizza, which had more protein, making them compliant with the guidelines of the NSLP.
Despite being a popular lunch option for kids over the past four decades, the new Lunchable options didn't sell, forcing Kraft Heinz to pull them from the program.
"Last year, we brought two NSLP-compliant Lunchables options to schools that had increased protein," Kraft Heinz said in a statement. "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."
CNN reported that the decision was praised by Consumer Reports, which previously criticized the addition of Lunchables to the NSLP.
"We're pleased that Heinz Kraft has pulled Lunchables from the school lunch program," Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports, said in a statement. "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."