January 31, 2008 – Each year the members of the School Nutrition Association present Congress with the critical issues facing school nutrition professionals and the more than 30 million children that are provided safe, healthy meals through the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. SNA members are strongly committed to ensuring the highest nutritional standards for all children.
This year, SNA is advocating two central issues to advance this commitment:
To achieve these goals, SNA asks that the Congress consider:
The complete 2008 SNA Legislative Issue Paper can be downloaded through Related Links.
The Legislative Issue Paper is based on input from SNA membership, drafted by the Association’s Public Policy and Legislation Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. Talking points on the Issue Paper will be available soon to serve as a resource when talking to Members of Congress or the media. School Nutrition Association members will take the messages of this year’s Legislative Issue Paper to Congress, as part of the 36th annual SNA Legislative Action Conference (LAC), to be held March 2-5, 2008 in Washington, DC.
Statement from School Nutrition Association on Food Safety of USDA Commodity Beef
January 30, 2008 -- The School Nutrition Association (SNA) asserts that all foods provided to students through the National School Lunch Program have been tested and inspected by USDA prior to school use. School nutrition professionals must rely on the USDA to ensure that food provided through the USDA Food Distribution Program (Commodity Program) is safe. SNA will be contacting USDA to address serious concerns raised over the alleged violations of food safety policy and practice identified by the Humane Society this morning.
Food products purchased by school nutrition professionals must be produced in compliance with appropriate federal and state food-safety laws and regulations. All vendors providing products for child nutrition programs are required to have satisfactory performance records. Any possible breach of safety and security by individuals’ or companies’ indicates the continued need for absolute diligence on all testing and inspections.
In school kitchens nationwide, school nutrition professionals maintain a superior food safety record through the use of trained staff and food safety procedures including HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) systems - a comprehensive approach to food safety that follows the flow of food through a foodservice operation to eliminate or reduce the risk of foodborne hazards. Among these procedures are examinations of foods as they are received by the kitchen as well as use of proper cooking and holding temperatures to ensure food is safe. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Government Accountability Office (GAO) data on school-based foodborne illness outbreaks indicate school nutrition programs across the country maintain exceptional food safety records.
Schools Take Action in New GCNF Campaign
January 30, 2008 – What can a child do to help end world hunger? The 870 students of Pride Elementary School in the School District of Hillsborough, Fla., discovered they can make a difference, as they participated in the nationwide kick-off of the “Change Our World” campaign. A four-day, school-wide fundraising campaign at this Tampa school culminated on January 25, 2008, raising more than $2,300 for the Global Child Nutrition Foundation (GCNF). The event follows a similar campaign at Evergreen Elementary School outside of Tacoma, Wash., where the fundraising goal of $1,100 is within sight. These schools are on the forefront of a nationwide “Change Our World” initiative to raise awareness and funds for GCNF programs that fight childhood hunger by advancing sustainable and effective school feeding programs worldwide.
It is not too late to participate. Schools and communities nationwide are encouraged to promote the campaign this spring, leading up to the first official Global Child Nutrition Month in April 2008. School nutrition professionals can take one day, one week or all month to partner with students and teachers in action to raise awareness about the ravages of hunger among children around the globe and here in the United States. This observance is also an opportunity to raise awareness about the solutions to global hunger and poverty. Among these are the school-based feeding program initiatives supported by GCNF.
At Pride Elementary, students, parents, teachers and the District Student Nutrition Services all joined forces for this campaign. Students learned about eating habits and nutrition in Central and South America and viewed a video about school feeding and nutrition in Pakistan during lunch time. A parent and teacher bake sale raised additional funds for the campaign. “The event was well done and the students and school staff did great. I'm sure schools around the country will have similar success,” said Hillsborough County Schools Nutrition Services General Manager Mary Kate Harrison RD, SNS.
The impact of the school’s fundraising campaign will be felt in countries like the African nation of Mali, where officials attended GCNF training and are developing a national school feeding program that will result in more children attending school to receive nutritious meals and the education they need for a brighter future.
At any given moment, as many as 300 million of the world’s children—a number equal to the total population of the entire United States—are trapped in the grinding cycle of poverty and hunger. According to the World Food Programme, 130 million of these children do not attend school; and among those who do, most do not receive meals during school hours. Imagine trying to learn, grow and succeed while struggling with hunger. We may not be able to resolve all sorts of natural and political forces, but GCNF knows that nurturing and educating a child is the single most effective means of breaking the cycle of poverty. And because a hungry child cannot learn or thrive, a society whose children live in hunger never will prosper. For these reasons, GCNF works to help nations build and sustain school feeding programs.
Through the “Change Our World” campaign, more than $16,000 already has been pledged by schools, companies and others to be raised between now and the end of April, which is the official Global Child Nutrition Month. School events are planned for the upcoming weeks in Washington, DC and Wisconsin, with more to follow. Check back next Wednesday for more information about celebrating Global Child Nutrition Month, April 2008.
The Global Child Nutrition Foundation was created in 2006 with the mission of expanding opportunities for the world's children to receive adequate nutrition for learning and achieving their potential. It continues and expands upon the work of the Global Child Nutrition Forum, formerly conducted by the School Nutrition Association (SNA). Created in 1946, SNA advocates healthy nutrition for every child in the United States. The “Change Our World” campaign is sponsored by The Schwan Food Company™, a leader in frozen food services.
To learn more and view media coverage from the Florida event, see Related Links.
Schafer Confirmed Secretary of Agriculture
January 29, 2008 -- The Senate confirmed former North Dakota Governor Ed Schafer (R) as the Secretary of Agriculture on Monday, January 28, 2008. Schafer will replace former Secretary Mike Johanns (R-Neb.), who resigned in September in order to run for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel (R).
Schafer was confirmed by unanimous consent a few hours prior to President Bush’s final State of the Union Address.
Secretary Schafer brings a record as an innovative two-term governor of North Dakota to USDA along with extensive private sector experience as both an entrepreneur and a business executive. Schafer served as North Dakota's governor from 1992 to 2000 and made diversifying and expanding North Dakota's economy, reducing the cost of government and advancing agriculture his top priorities in office.
State Legislative Update
January 28, 2008 -- Throughout the month of January, state legislators introduced a flurry of school nutrition related legislation. Nutrition standards, school breakfast, fresh fruits and vegetables, and farm-to-school programs were among the subjects featured in new bills introduced in state legislatures.
Nutrition Standards School nutrition standards remained a major focus in many. In New Hampshire, a hearing was held on nutrition standards legislation introduced in early January. The bill, HB 1435, would adopt the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommended standards for competitive foods. In testimony before the state House Committee on Education, Portsmouth school nutrition director Patricia Laska, SNS argued that sales from a la carte items are essential for purchasing new equipment and paying salaries. She also noted that school districts are already serving healthier foods in schools. Laska and a New Hampshire Department of Education dietician asked that the legislation be modified to include a phase in period, as well examine whether or not schools will lose revenue.
School nutrition standards were also the subject of legislation introduced in the Hawaii. The bill, HB 2993 would set standards for all “cafeteria meals and beverages” sold in elementary, intermediate, and middle schools. Under the legislation, all school meals must meet requirements that include not more than 30 per cent of total calories from fat, not more than 10 percent of total calories from saturated fat, and not more than 25 percent of total weight composed of sugar. Additionally, only water, milk, or beverages containing one hundred per cent fruit juice or fruit-based drinks composed of not less than 50 per cent fruit juice with no added sweeteners. The legislation also required nutrition education training for all food service managers.
Mississippi also introduced new nutrition standards for schools this month, in the form of regulations. In December, Mississippi posted a proposed final rule that would implement the standards passed in Senate Bill 2369. The rule became effective January 18, 2008. Under these standards, school districts are required to meet specific nutrition requirements for several different age groups over the course of a week. The regulations also require school districts to limit and eventually eliminate all fried foods from the school menu, as well as remove all fryers.
West Virginia also got into the nutrition standards game. Bills introduced in both the West Virginia House and Senate (HB 4051, S. 222) would set nutrition standards for all foods sold outside of the school meals programs. This legislation would codify into law standards recently approved by the West Virginia State Board of Education.
School Breakfast Many states are also looking at ways to expand school breakfast participation. In Maine, legislation was introduced in late December that would fully fund school breakfast for all children eligible for free and reduced price meals. SB 791 has the support of the state Senate Majority Leader, as well as many other members of the state legislature.
The Vermont House is also considering a school breakfast bill (HB 333). Similar to legislation introduced last year, this bill would also appropriate money to fully pay for school meals for reduced price eligible children.
Trans Fat A bill banning the use of trans fats in school food was introduced in the Virginia Senate (S. 124). The legislation is very similar to a bill that passed the Virginia Senate last year, but failed in the House. A trans fat bill was also introduced in the Tennessee legislature. Introduced in both the House and Senate, the bill (HB 615, S. 1429) also bans the use of trans fat in schools.
Farm to School / Fruit and Vegetable Programs Farm to school programs are also generating significant interest this legislative session. A hearing was held in Washington State to examine a bill that would expand farm to school programs in the state. Introduced in mid-January, the legislation (HB 2798, SB 6483) would ease restrictions on bidding and procurement, allowing school districts to more easily purchase Washington grown products for school meals. The bill also offers funding for 75 economically disadvantaged schools to purchase more fresh fruits and vegetables for snacks. The legislation is expected to pass.
Iowa is also making farm to school information more readily available to school districts. The Iowa Department of Agriculture announced a new website that has information about starting a farm to school program and working with local farmers.
Legislators in New Mexico are looking for increased funding for New Mexico grown fruits and vegetables for school nutrition programs. A bill introduced in both the House and the Senate (HB 164, S. 207) would provide $1.44 million worth of funding for locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables. Legislators in Tennessee also introduced a bill (HB 3158, S. 3341) which would require schools to outline plans for purchasing locally grown produce for the school meal programs.
School Health Inspections In South Dakota, the Senate passed a bill (S. 27) that would repeal the minimum requirement of two state health inspections every five years. Legislation is now being considered by the South Dakota House.
From Food to Fuel
January 23, 2008 -- What happens to leftover oil from your school kitchens? Rather than discard its oil, the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD)has given it a new purpose. High school automotive students have begun converting the raw waste into biodiesel fuel.
Through additional conservation efforts, SDUSD reportedly has earned the Energy Star certification for 161 of its 216 schools—and saves $12 million per year in utility costs. The Energy Star program is a joint initiative from the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
A Class of Their Own How does the biodiesel program work? The students’ “Autoshop” is led by tech teacher Jon Karanopoulos, a local leader in the field of high school alternate energy education. He uses chemistry lessons to teach them about the conversion process.
The students alsohave help from New Leaf Biodiesel, a local company that donates its expertise and equipment. Their program is supported by SDUSD’s Energy Utility Management Section, which is dedicated to energy conservation.
J. William Naish, a Certified Energy Procurement Professional and a LEED Accredited Professional, heads this section. LEED stands for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is administered by the U.S. Green Building Council. Like Energy Star, it encourages high efficiency.
Celebrating School Nutrition When searching the district’s kitchens for used grease, Naish was surprised to find less than 10 gals.—out of 200 schools. “I found that amazing,” he credits. “Come to find out, SDUSD apparently no longer fries much food.”
Indeed, new research shows that child nutrition professionals across the nation continually enhance the nutritional profile of school meals. For example, SNA’s 2007 Trends Report shows that schools are offering more whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables.
As a result, SDUSD was forced to supplement its biodiesel program by soliciting waste oil from a nearby community college. To date, the district has used its new biodiesel fuel to run generators, vehicles and power washers.
On the Horizon Our intent is to complete the circle and use this recycled fuel in the very same [foodservice] delivery vehicle that initially delivered the oil to the schools,” Naish concludes. “It seems so poetic, and we hope to accomplish that task during the next academic school year.”
What’s next for SDUSD? According to Naish, the district is piloting a program for reusing the polystyrene from school foodservice containers.
Learn more about high-efficiency best practices and technologies for school nutrition operations. See the Related Links for the January 2008 issue of School Nutrition magazine, the flagship publication of the School Nutrition Association.
It’s Not too Early to Think About Summer Feeding!
January 22, 2007 -- Even through the snow is still flying and the wind is a bit chilly, it’s not too early to start thinking about summer feeding programs! The end of the 2007-08 school year is fast approaching. In about six months, summer feeding sites will open in communities in every state. Now is the time to plan to be a sponsor of the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).
Congress authorized the Summer Food Service Program in 1975 to ensure that children in lower-income areas continue to receive nutritious meals during long school vacations, when they do not have access to a healthy school lunch or breakfast.
Over 17 million children receive free or reduced price school lunches on a typical day during the school year. According to the Food Research and Action Council’s 2007 report, “Hunger Doesn’t Take a Vacation”, an average of 2.85 million children participated in the SFSP during 2006. While summer feeding programs saw a modest increase in participation, compared to several years of declines, millions of children are still not receiving adequate nutrition during the summer months.
Increasingly school districts are taking advantage of the Simplified Summer Food Program and the Seamless Summer Option to provide summer meals to children in need. Initiated in 2001 by Sen. Richard Lugar (R-IN), the Simplified Summer Food Program (a.k.a. “Lugar Pilot Program”) replaces the traditional Summer Food Program accounting requirements and paperwork. It makes it easier for sponsors to provide nutritious meals to low-income kids during the summer and offers higher reimbursements.
The Simplified Summer Food Program has been a proven, effective way to increase program access for low-income children. Since 2001, the original 13 pilot states saw participation grow by 43.3 percent, while states operating under the traditional summer food program experienced a 14.6 percent drop in participation.
In the FY2008 Appropriations Spending Bill, Congress authorized expanding the Simplified Summer Food Program to all states and Washington, DC. With the Simplified Summer Food Program being available in every state for the summer of 2008, school nutrition professionals are encouraged to explore utilizing the program as sponsors. New states entering the Simplified Summer Food Program this summer will be: Alabama, California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont and Virginia.
LAC Early Bird Deadline Coming Up Fast!
January 18, 2008 – Hurry, the Early Bird registration deadline for SNA’s 2008 Legislative Action Conference (LAC) is drawing near—February 4th. Register now and save!
The voices of school nutrition always ring out loud and clear during LAC, and this year will be no different. Bring your expertise, your passion and your stories to Washington, D.C., and prepare to shape and define national policy relating to school nutrition. SNA’s 36th annual LAC will take place March 2-5, 2008, at the JW Marriott Hotel, in the heart of the nation’s capital.
Considered one of the most productive and exciting events in school nutrition, LAC has it all:
These are just some of the wonderful opportunities that await you at LAC 2008, so make plans now to come and spend some time with SNA. The Early Bird registration deadline is February 4, 2008.
Join the Global Child Nutrition Foundation for the 2008 A Possible Dream Gala
Jabuary 17, 2008 -- Please join the School Nutrition Association’s (SNA) Global Child Nutrition Foundation (GCNF) on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 for the 5th Annual A Possible Dream Gala. This event is held each year to honor champions of child nutrition and to raise awareness of and funds for the Foundation’s efforts to combat global child hunger through sustainable school feeding. A highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the 2008 Gene White Lifetime Achievement Award for Child Nutrition to Edward M. Cooney, Executive Director of the Congressional Hunger Center. Geri Dee, SNS, SNA’s 2007 National Outstanding Director of the Year, and Mimi Ford, SNA’s 2007 Individual Industry Member of the Year will also be recognized during the Gala for their tremendous contributions to child nutrition.
The Honorable George McGovern and The Honorable Catherine Bertini, both of whom continue to fight hunger worldwide and both past recipients of the Gene White Lifetime Achievement Award for Child Nutrition, are this year’s Honorary Gala Chairs. Gene White and Emmanual Ohene Afoakwa, who is a three-time Global Child Nutrition Forum delegate from Ghana, a newly elected member of the GCNF Board of Directors and Secretary for the African Network of School Feeding Programmes (ANSFEP), will speak about their successes and their continued efforts to fight global child hunger.
The Gala is held each year during the SNA’s Legislative Action Conference (LAC) and is attended by guests from SNA chapters throughout the country and by supportive industries, governmental agencies and nongovernmental organizations. It will be held at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC and the evening will include dinner and a performance by the internationally acclaimed Children’s Chorus of Washington. Individual reservations for the Gala can now be made online (see related links). For gala sponsorship opportunities, please contact Mary Ray, GCNF Director of Development, at 703-253-2174 or mray@schoolnutrition.org. For more information on the Global Child Nutrition Foundation’s global school feeding initiatives go to www.gcnf.org. See related links for additional resources and information about global hunger and poverty issues and the efforts being made to eradicate child hunger worldwide.
Summit on School Nutrition Standards Held at CNIC
January 15, 2008 -- Over 100 school nutrition professionals representing school districts, state school nutrition associations, the food and foodservice equipment industry and state agencies gathered on Saturday, January 12, 2008, one day before the SNA Child Nutrition Industry Conference (CNIC) for a National Nutrition Standards Summit. Participants listened to presentations on the Institute of Medicine voluntary nutrition standards, the Alliance for a Healthier Generation voluntary standards and the proposed SNA standards. Following the presentations, smaller discussion groups evaluated four key issues: sugar levels for dairy, sodium levels for snacks, the definition of whole grains, and preemption of state and local standards. The SNA Nutrition Standards Task Force will now review feedback from the Summit as well as comments submitted over the last two months. The Task Force will then present revised, proposed national nutrition standards.
Following the Summit, CNIC kicked off. Over 370 attendees heard presentations on wellness policy implementation, trends and research in school nutrition, USDA commodity news and more. Some of the sessions included:
USDA Undersecretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Nancy Montanez Johner addressed the group Monday morning, January 14, thanking members for the work they do to promote healthy eating among children and discussed both the Farm Bill process as well as early plans to solicit input for Child Nutrition Reauthorization in 2009. The conference concludes today.
It's Easy Being Green With School Nutrition
January 10, 2008 -- No matter where you stand on the environmental spectrum, it’s likely you will find something of interest in this month’s issue of School Nutrition. That’s because “going green” is a trend that driven by more than environmentalism—there are economic factors at work. Prices are rising for fuel and power. And, as fuel prices rise, so do the prices for other goods that your operation needs. It pays to find more efficient ways to do business.
In fact, schools all across the nation are registering for such benchmarking initiatives as the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program from the U.S. Green Building Council and the ENERGY STAR for K-12 Schools program from the EPA and U.S. Department of Energy. A new study suggests that schools like these are cost-effective options for new construction and renovations. Learn more about the green schools movement—and its potential benefits—in “Down to Earth.”
Next, take a close-up look at specific schools that have incorporated energy-efficient designs. For example, in Wayne, Pa., Radnor Middle School students enjoy their lunches at café-style window seats, where light pours in abundantly. The school is considered green because of the “daylighting” of various classrooms and communal spaces—along with the overall design and the technologies used throughout the school. Discover more details in “Is It Easy Being Green?”
If you aren’t able to renovate or start over with a new school building, you might want to replace some equipment, instead. Finding the right energy-efficient equipment means weighing such factors as upfront cost, operating costs, equipment life expectancy, energy savings and performance—which requires doing your homework. Get started with advice from “Eco-Equipment.”
Not only can environmentalism bring practical business benefits for the “here and now,” it also can help to preserve natural resources for generations to come. “Going Green” explains the personal side of the green movement, from recycling at home to offsetting carbon footprints to buying fair-trade groceries. Step by step, you can help to reduce the harm to this beloved world. As you explore practical options for both your business life and your personal life, School Nutrition magazine is here to help.
USDA Announces Purchases of Tart Cherries, Plums
January 9, 2008 -- Acting Secretary of Agriculture Chuck Conner announced today that the Department of Agriculture will purchase up to 8.1 million pounds of tart cherries and half a million pounds of canned plums. These purchased products will be donated to the child nutrition programs and other food assistance programs.
USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) purchases a variety of food products for distribution to the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, and other domestic food assistance programs. USDA also makes emergency purchases of commodity items for victims of natural disasters.
USDA works hard to ensure that all commodities purchased are nutritious and healthful. Commodities are typically required to be low in fat, sugar, and sodium. They must also be USDA inspected and graded. All commodity purchases are of American origin.
Study Looks at Fast Food Outlets and Secondary Schools
January 8, 2008 -- Fast food and other energy-dense food options are readily available to students at restaurants and stores surrounding schools, according to a study published in the June 2008 issue of the journal, Health & Place. This is the first national study to exclusively look at the proximity of schools to fast food establishments. Previous studies have focused on foods sold in school, whether competitive foods or foods sold through the school meal programs, as well as the effects of physical activity.
Researchers at the University of Illinois, Chicago examined the location of fast food restaurants and convenience stores in relationship to 31,000 secondary schools. They found that approximately one third of public middle and high schools nationwide are within walking distance of a fast food chain or convenience store. In the 20 largest cities, significantly more secondary schools are located near these types of food outlets.
The researchers also noted that most students do not ride the school bus, but use alternative means of transportation, such as cars and mass transit. This increases the amount of unsupervised time students have to eat at convenience stores and fast food restaurants before and after school. The study authors argue that more needs to be done to improve the food environment outside of the school.
The researchers noted efforts have been underway to promote healthier school nutrition environments on campus. School nutrition programs are making tremendous gains in creating and promoting healthy food and beverage options in schools. The National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program continue to play an important role in teaching children about good nutrition, while providing healthy meals. Some of the changes schools are making include:
School nutrition professionals cannot do this alone. The research overwhelmingly shows that the entire community of parents and school administrators are key allies in helping school nutrition professionals promote healthy eating and lifestyle habits.
Other studies have also pointed to causes outside of the school nutrition programs as reasons why childhood overweight is increasing. In March 2007, researchers at Ohio State University and Indiana University released a study that found that children are more likely to add weight during the summer instead of during the school year. The researchers argued that the body mass index (BMI) of students increased more rapidly during the summer than during the school year. They attributed this increase to an unstructured environment during the summer months. During the school year, students have assigned time to exercise, as well as limited opportunities to eat. The researchers concluded that the most effective policies for reducing childhood overweight might be those that effect students outside of the school day.
The Healthier Options for Public Schoolchildren (HOPS), conducted by the Agatston Research Foundation also makes similar claims. The research was presented at a meeting of the American Heart Association in November 2007. According to the study authors, the success of school nutrition programs is often nullified by unhealthy habits at home. Students who participated in this study successfully reduced their BMI during the school year. However, when they returned to school following summer vacation, the students’ BMI increased significantly. As with the Ohio State University – Indiana University study, policy efforts need to focus on factors outside of the school.
Mark Your Calendars for LAC 2008!
January 4, 2008 – Online Registration is now open for SNA’s 2008 Legislative Action Conference (LAC), which will take place March 2-5, 2008, at the JW Marriott Hotel, in the heart of the nation’s capital. Considered the premier legislative meeting on child nutrition issues, LAC affords you the opportunity to help shape and define national policy relating to school nutrition.
LAC 2008 will offer many new and exciting programs, speakers and breakout sessions, including:
The keynote speaker for LAC 2008 is Amy Walter, one of the nation’s top political forecasters. As editor in chief of The Hotline, the National Journal Group’s online briefing on politics and policies, Walter is the publication’s primary voice. She provided election night commentary for CNN in 2002, 2004, and 2006, and has been frequently quoted as a congressional election expert in newspapers such as The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post and The New York Times.
Of course, there are many more reasons to attend LAC 2008! With so much information available, this conference is sure to be one of the most rewarding conferences you’ll attend all year! The special Early Bird registration rate closes February 4, 2008, so don’t delay—Register today!