Just heard this on TV, but the white powder is salt and sugar, since the schools have been making their foods healthier for the children. I think it's good that the kids eat less sugar especially, too many type 2 diabetics these days, and many times it's related to eating junk foods that are full of salt and sugar. Do you know any kids that are complaining about their food at school? When I was a kid, I brown bagged it, so I had no choice but what my mom packed for me...no sweets involved.