October 30 -- Schools across the country celebrated National School Lunch Week (NSLW) last week in patriotic style as students voted for their favorite school lunch. This year, NSLW received record media coverage, with articles appearing in newspapers and television news shows from Tampa Bay, Fla. to Las Vegas, Nev., with all points in between. Over 13.9 million viewers were reached during the week long campaign. Approximately 335 articles, stories, and interviews covered the celebration as Pete Pizza, Gloria Grilled Cheese, Biff Burger, Petunia Pita Pocket, and Larry Lasagna campaigned in schools across the country.
The “Vote” campaign received national exposure this year with a feature in the October 10th issue of Time for Kids. Time for Kids a publication that is distributed in classrooms nationwide. While much of the issue covered the rising cost of school meals, part of it was dedicated to National School Lunch Week.
Below is a sampling of some of the articles, with quotes from each.
“Pete Pizza is the kids’ choice in school lunch contest,” Windsor Now!, CO – Oct. 24, 2008
“In addition to getting students excited about making healthy choices in the lunchroom, the "Vote" campaign will relay facts on what balanced school meals consist of today.
“’I like this activity because it is fun for the students, and they can voice their opinions about the foods they eat by voting for their favorite meal character,’ Laura Stoneman, director of food and nutrition for the Windsor – Severance Re-4 school district said.
“Kids vote for favorite menu items,” Louisville, Ky. Courier-Journal – Oct. 20, 2008
"’This (Vote for School Lunch) is something that our students have really enjoyed each year,’ said Christine Deely, principal at Klondike Lane Elementary School. ‘I think a lot of them are hearing about the national election and see this as a way for them to be included in an election, too.’”
“Nutrition official promotes healthy choices to students,” The Oklahoman, OK – Oct. 16, 2008
“USDA Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services Nancy Montanez Johner came to Oklahoma City to celebrate National School Lunch Week. She said she chose to come to Oklahoma because of the efforts made by state and local school officials to promote the importance of eating well, exercising and living right.
“She conveyed that message to students.
"’Whatever you do, nutrition is the key component to life,’ she said.”
“NISD students vote… for lunch,” Nacogdoches, TX Daily Sentinel – Oct. 16, 2008
“Denise Derby, NISD food service operations supervisor, said students were "extremely excited" to vote for their favorite lunch.
"’Each day, we gave them something different like hats, pencils and book marks so they would feel involved,’ Derby said. ‘We sent notes home with the parents so they would know what to expect this week.’”
“Holy pajama day: Fairview students celebrate nutrition,” Maryville, TN Daily Times – Oct. 21, 2008
“Many students also managed to learn a lot about nutrition during the week. ‘I learned to eat healthy -- not just to eat junk food,’ said second grader Byron Goforth. ‘Fruits and vegetables are healthy, and orange fruits have vitamin C,’ added second grader Sarah Enos.”
“Rapides Schools celebrate National School Lunch Week,” Alexandria, LA Town Talk, - Oct. 14, 2008
“Food and Nutrition Services Supervisor Charlotte Deshautelle explained that in a time when childhood obesity is an increasing concern, school food administrators are more than ever trying to strike a healthy balance between nutrition and children's favorite meals.
"’Our pizza is a whole grain crust pizza, we serve brown rice ... skim milk, fresh vegetables and we have cut back on our sugary items,’ Deshautelle said.”
SNA would like to thank everyone who has participated in the “Vote for School” campaign during the past three years. Since 2006, over 817,000 students have learned about healthy eating and nutrition as they’ve voted for their favorite school lunches. Thank you to all SNA members who have made this campaign a success!
October 29, 2008 -- This year was the final year of the Vote for School Lunch campaign. With a landslide victory, Pete Pizza was elected President of School Lunch by students across the country.
With nearly 300,000 votes cast, more students voted in the campaign than ever before. In celebration, the three states that brought in the highest amount of votes are each receiving a prize pack in recognition of their achievement.
With over 22,000 votes each, prize packs are on their way to:
The prize packs are being sent to the SNA State Presidents of the three winning states. The prizes packs include Emporium and “Got Milk?” goodies, and a certificate of achievement.
The total number of votes was based on online votes entered by state at www.VoteforSchoolLunch.org and tallied cafeteria ballot forms received by SNA Headquarters from schools and districts in every state. Online and paper voting took place between August 1 – October 17, 2008 and all paper ballots had to be received by October 22, 2008. There was no limit to the number of times students could vote online.
Member Resource Website
Official Vote Website
October 27, 2008 -- Some school districts across the country marked National School Lunch Week 2008 with some very special guests.
Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer and Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services Nancy Montanez Johner joined students for festive lunches at schools in Louisville, Ky and Oklahoma City, Okla. Secretary Schafer made a lunchtime appearance at the Klondike Lane Elementary School in Louisville, where he recognized several Kentucky schools that have met the HealthierUS Challenge requirements. Kentucky has 121 schools that are recognized as HealthierUS Challenge schools, the most of any state. Secretary Schafer also took the time to join students in casting votes for their favorite school lunch.
Under Secretary Montanez Johner visited with students at the Martin Luther King Elementary School in Oklahoma City on Wednesday, October 15th. Montanez Johner came to Oklahoma to recognize the efforts state and local officials are making in providing students with nutritious meals and encouraging healthy lifestyles.
Students in Alexandria, Minnesota were also paid a special lunchtime visit by a local dignitary. Representative Collin Peterson (D-Minn.), the chair of the House Committee on Agriculture joined students and cafeteria staff in celebration of National School Lunch Week. After taking a tour of the school kitchen, Peterson posed for pictures and enjoyed a lunch honoring candidate, Pete Pizza.
HealthierUS School ChallengeKlondike’s nutrition efforts praised – Louisville Courier-JournalNutrition official promotes healthy choices to children – The Oklahoman
October 27 -- The number of young people who had a food or digestive allergy increased 18 percent between 1997 and 2007, according to a new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2007, approximately 3 million U.S. children and teenagers under age 18 – or nearly 4 percent of that age group – were reported to have a food or digestive allergy in the previous 12 months, compared to just over 2.3 million (3.3 percent) in 1997.
The findings are published in a new data brief, “Food Allergy Among U.S. Children: Trends in Prevalence and Hospitalizations.” The data are from the National Health Interview Survey and the National Hospital Discharge Survey, both conducted by CDC′s National Center for Health Statistics.
The report found that eight types of food account for 90 percent of all food allergies: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat. Reactions to these foods by an allergic person can range from a tingling sensation around the mouth and lips, to hives and even death, depending on the severity of the reaction.
Children with food allergy are two to four times more likely to have other related conditions such as asthma and other allergies, compared to children without food allergies, the report said. The mechanisms by which a person develops an allergy to specific foods are largely unknown. Food allergy is more prevalent in children than adults. Most affected children will outgrow food allergies, although food allergy can be a lifelong concern.
A recent survey of SNA members found that over 80% of schools have children with food allergies. In those schools 30% have eliminated food allergens from the school lunch program and 15% have eliminated food allergens from the entire school. The top 5 life threatening food allergies identified by survey participants were Peanuts (84%), Milk (77.3%), Tree Nuts (53.7%), Eggs (41%) and Wheat (37%) – 5 of the top eight allergens. Meeting the need of students with food allergies and special needs can be difficult. SNA is actively working to provide more resources to members. Click on related links to see SNA’s Allergy Information webpage, where you can find information on food allergy and special needs topics from label reading to celiac meal planning. Have you seen an increase in food allergies this school year? Join the conversation and post a comment to the Hot Topics Forum. Check out SNA’s new Resource Center to find many more resources to help you and your school nutrition program!
Food Allergy Among U.S. Children: Trends in Prevalence and Hospitalizations
Allergy Information
Resource Center
October 27, 2008 -- The School Nutrition Foundation (SNF) in partnership with ConAgra Foods will be offering a FREE webinar on Wednesday, November 12, 2008, entitled “The Whole (Grain) Truth and Nothing but the Truth.” The webinar will be moderated by Cynthia Harriman of Whole Grains Council. Speakers include Elizabeth Arndt of ConAgra Foods; Len Marquart, PhD, RD of the University of Minnesota; and Jean Ronnei of the St. Paul School District.
Cynthia HarrimanDirector of Food and Nutrition Strategies, Whole Grains Council Role/Perspective: Moderator
Elizabeth ArndtConAgra Foods Role/Perspective: Expert Speaker
Len Marquart, PhD, RDAssociate Professor, University of Minnesota Role/Perspective: Expert Speaker
Jean RonneiNutrition and Commercial Services Director, St. Paul School District, St. Paul, MN Role/Perspective: School Nutrition Operator
For more information on this webinar, including where and how to register, please click here or visit www.schoolnutrition.org/grains. SNA members may earn 1 continuing education unit (CEU) for participating in the webinar. Instructions on how to obtain your CEU can be found by clicking on the URL above.
Please note: if you are unable to participate in the live event, an archived version will be available for viewing, free of charge, at the website listed above one to two business days after the live event. The recording will remain available until December 12, 2008.
This webinar is the second in SNF’s new “Wednesday Webinars” series and will be offered at no charge. Stay tuned to www.schoolnutrition.org/webinars for information on upcoming Wednesday Webinars throughout the 2008-2009 school year.
For questions regarding this webinar please contact SNA’s Service Center at servicecenter@schoolnutrition.org
What has been the reaction to whole grain products among your students? Join the conversation and post a comment to the Hot Topics Forum.
October 25, 2008 – From the cover story of the National PTA Magazine “Our Children“ to the NBC Today Show, a wide range of media covered healthy school meals during the third quarter of 2008. Between July and the end of last month, SNA public awareness efforts resulted in over 30 million households being reached with key messages through broadcast, print, and online media, for an advertising dollar equivalency of approximately $1.7 million.
During the School Nutrition Association’s Annual National Conference in Philadelphia in mid-July media coverage focused on healthy school food options and the need for more funding. Coverage included:
In August and September ‘back to school’ media coverage continued the focus on healthy school meals and the need for additional federal, state and local funding for school nutrition programs. Among the coverage were the following:
Local TV, radio and print stories featuring SNA Spokespersons in:
In anticipation of National School Lunch Week, coverage promoting the 2008 Vote for School Lunch campaign and healthy school meals included an article on the Vote campaign that appeared in more than 300 hundred papers nationwide with online readership of over 7 million and print circulation of almost 200,000.
SNA messages relating to the value and professionalism of school nutrition directors, managers and employees aimed at the education community included:
An opportunity to continue to promote healthy school meals is coming up next month. Educate Your Community Week will be held November 17-22, 2008. During the week, SNA members are encouraged to make presentations to groups in their communities on the positive contributions of school nutrition programs.
October 23, 2008 -- In the heart of the big city, the green movement is growing—and so is student health. Chicago Public Schools is aiming for both ideals with the non-profit Organic School Project (OSP), launched by Caterer Greg Christian in 2005. The project features lessons on gardening, healthy lifestyles, yoga, environmental stewardship and “mindfulness,” as well as organic, locally sourced breakfasts, lunches and snacks.
So far, it’s working: In 2006-07, a study conducted among 1,178 students found that OSP was associated with decreasing children’s Body Mass Index (BMI) ratios. And last year, OSP expanded beyond the school day to after-school and summer programs.
Through a partnership with a local social services agency, OSP worked to offer a Lowell Elementary School after-school enrichment program with a special module: “Healthy Kids, Healthy Planet.” Targeting four groups of eight students, ranging from 1st through 8th grade, it focused on nutrition, body image, food mileage, advertising, managing stress and gardening.
In addition, OSP provided the 260 students participating in the overall after-school program with organic snacks, such as Nature’s Path granola bars, Annie’s Homegrown(R) Cheddar Bunnies and Apple & Eve(R) organic fruit juice. OSP also donated three water dispensers, biodegradable cups and utensils to the school cafeteria.
Starting in September, OSP also was reintroduced to Louisa May Alcott School, a K-8 Chicago school. A portion of all Greg Christian Catering proceeds goes to OSP. For additional details about OSP and its work with Chicago Public Schools, visit www.organicschoolproject.org.
October 22, 2008 – Online Registration is now open for the 2009 Child Nutrition Industry Conference (CNIC), which will be held January 18-20, 2009, in New Orleans. Whether you’re new to CNIC or a seasoned attendee, this year’s conference promises numerous opportunities to build partnerships important to your operation or business. And with the vibrancy of The Big Easy as our backdrop, CNIC 2009 is sure to be one of the year's best learning, sharing and networking events! Here are just a few reasons why you can’t afford to miss CNIC 2009:
SNA also has lined up an exciting mix of speakers for this year’s general sessions, including Michael Foley, a leading authority on open, honest and authentic communication; Radio Broadcaster Orion Samuelson, one of America’s most trusted agricultural authorities; and Marcia Wallace, breast cancer survivor and actress best known for her Emmy Award-winning role as Bart’s teacher, Edna Krabappel, on “The Simpsons,” and as Carol Kester on “The Bob Newhart Show.”
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to build the knowledge and skills needed to overcome the challenges of today and tomorrow. To register for this year’s event or to learn more information, click on the Related Links, or contact SNA’s Service Center at (800) 877-8822. The special Early Bird registration rate closes December 5, 2008, so don’t delay—Register today!
CNIC 2009Register for CNIC
October 21, 2008 -- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued a new recommendation that infants, children and adolescents double their vitamin D intake. The AAP now recommends consumption of 400 IU (International Units) of vitamin D either through food or supplementation. The justification for this new recommendation comes out of clinical trials that have proven increased vitamin D intake can prevent and treat rickets, a disease resulting from a deficiency in vitamin D. Rickets is a disease that contributes to bone softening which could lead to fractures and deformity. Rickets continues to be reported in children and adolescents throughout the United States despite the fact that it is preventable with adequate vitamin D intake. Findings show that adequate intake of vitamin D throughout childhood may also reduce the risk of osteoporosis and may prevent infections, autoimmune diseases, cancer, and diabetes.
Very few foods naturally contain vitamin D, so most people in this country receive the vitamin D they need from fortified foods. Fortification of milk began in the 1930s in response to the rising public health concern of vitamin D deficiency. Since then all fluid milk is fortified with 100 IU of vitamin D per 8 oz. In addition to milk, many ready-to-eat cereals, some yogurts, orange juices and margarines are fortified with vitamin D. Also, cheese naturally contains small amounts of vitamin D. Participation in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs is one of the best ways to help children reach this new vitamin D recommendation. Children participating in both programs will consume two 8 oz servings of milk which amounts to 50% of their required vitamin D intake. School meal programs offer other good quality sources of vitamin D as well. Many schools breakfast programs offer a variety of fortified ready to eat cereals and according to the 2007 SNA Operations Report, 81% of schools offer yogurt and yogurt drinks, and 31% offer fortified juice. The USDA Commodity Program also supplies schools with several varieties of light and reduced fat cheeses. A recent USDA study on the diet quality of school aged children found that among low income children, NSLP participants were more likely to consume adequate daily intakes of vitamin A, essential B vitamins, iron, phosphorous and zinc. NSLP and SBP participants are well on their way to adequate vitamin D intake as well.
October 20, 2008 -- Last week was the 45th anniversary of National School Lunch Week. To mark the occasion, SNA President Dr. Katie Wilson, SNS presented SNA’s child nutrition reauthorization priorities during a pair of briefings before the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate on Wednesday, October 15, 2008. Both briefings had stellar turnout with about 80 Hill staff members and allied organization representatives. Staff members from the House Education and Labor Committee, House Agriculture Committee, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and the Senate and House Hunger Caucuses were represented. Representatives from anti-hunger, education, public health and nutrition advocacy organizations were also in attendance.
During the hour-long briefings, Dr. Wilson discussed a variety of issues facing school nutrition programs nationally. These included:
These briefings are among the many efforts SNA is working on for the 2009 Child Nutrition Reauthorization. For more information regarding the briefings, please visit Related Links.
2009 Child Nutrition Reauthorization
SNA National Nutrition Standards
October 16, 2008 -- The School Nutrition Association’s Vote for School Lunch 2008 kids’ website: www.voteforschoollunch.org and the Power Up with School Breakfast (NSBW 2009) website, www.schoolbreakfast.org were both honored as Silver winners of the 2008 W3 Awards by the International Academy of the Visual Arts this week. Receiving over 3,000 entries, the W3 Awards honor outstanding websites, web marketing, and web video created by some of the best interactive agencies, designers, and creators worldwide.
Both awards bestowed on the School Nutrition Association were in the children's category recognizing creative excellence on the web. Vote for School Lunch is a three year campaign designed to promote healthy school lunch options and encourage civic participation among students. The website element includes information on healthy school lunch options and lets students elect their favorite school lunch entrée for ‘president of school lunch.’ The campaign is held in conjunction with National School Lunch Week which continues this week through October 17, 2008, with the president of school lunch being announced on Friday, October 24, 2008.
The Power Up With School Breakfast campaign and website celebrate National School breakfast Week, March 3 through 7, 2009. Breakfast superheroes and interactive activities on the website promote the importance of a healthy school breakfast.
The W³ Awards honors creative excellence on the Web, and recognizes the creative and marketing professionals behind award winning Websites, Web Video and Online Marketing programs. Simply put, the W³ is the first major Web competition to be accessible to the biggest agencies, the smallest firms, and everyone in between. Small firms are as likely to win as Fortune 500 companies and international agencies. The W3 Awards is sanctioned and judged by the International Academy of the Visual Arts, an invitation-only body consisting of top-tier professionals from a "Who's Who" of acclaimed media, advertising, and marketing firms.
October 15, 2008 -- It may seem hard to believe, but campaigning for the President of School Lunch is almost over. Since April, the candidates have been on the trail, meeting with students across the country and making national media appearances to promote the benefits of nutritious school lunches. This week is National School Lunch Week and the candidates are rushing to make final impressions on voters nationwide.
Last night, the candidates met in Appleton, Wis. for their final debate before voting ends on Friday, October 17, 2008. The debate was moderated by noted School Nutrition News (SNN) anchor Carlton Milk. Milk opened the debate by asking each of the candidates why they should be named the President of School Lunch. Larry Lasagna, the campaign’s dark horse candidate, responded first, pointing to his strong record of providing nutritious, comforting food to all students who need an added boost for academic and athletic success. Gloria Grilled Cheese, the local favorite from Dayton Ohio, discussed her history of bipartisanship, promising to bring diversity, integrity, calcium, and protein to school lunch.
Biff Burger aced Milk’s next question, which asked the candidates to discuss how they stay physically fit. Biff discussed his role as quarter-pounder for his school’s football team and his daily exercise routine, noting that healthy body and a healthy mind are the recipe for academic achievement.
As a final question, Milk asked the candidates to name one thing that sets each of them apart from their healthy, tasty competition. Front runner Pete Pizza argued that being made of whole wheat flour, low-fat cheese, lean meat and a variety of nutritious vegetables makes him the most nutritionally rounded, an important quality in the leader of School Lunch. On the tough economic issues, Petunia Pita Pocket said that she’s the smartest choice because of her ability to “save up delicious ingredients,” providing the most bang for the buck with “protein packed turkey, nutritious broccoli slaw, and cheese.”
Who will be the next President of School Lunch? The latest Tuesday Morning / CN Direct national poll shows Pete Pizza with a steady lead, but Gloria Grilled Cheese and Larry Lasagna are closing the gap. The polls close at midnight on Friday, so be sure to get your votes in before then. To vote, visit the Vote for School Lunch web site.
Vote for School Lunch
October 15, 2008 - Don’t miss your chance to have your voice heard! Cast your vote in the 2009-11 School Nutrition Association (SNA) election beginning October 15 and ending November 15, 2008. To vote by phone, dial (866) 642-7015, or to vote online, go to: https://www.esc-vote.com/sna2008.
It is critical that you take advantage of this opportunity to vote in this year's election. By participating in this annual voting process, you are helping to select the leaders that will take the Association into the future, helping to further the cause of child nutrition programs. This responsibility is significant to the Association and to the overall future of school nutrition programs nationwide.
The election features 22 candidates from around the country who share a common interest: a passion for child nutrition. This year, you will be able to vote by telephone and online, making it even easier for you to exercise your right—and responsibility—to vote for the candidates who will represent your needs and concerns.
In order to vote, your SNA membership must have been valid and current as of May 31, 2008. You will not be eligible to vote if you became a member or reinstated your membership after this date. All members are encouraged to vote for the positions of Vice President, Public Policy and Legislation Committee Chair and Education Committee Chair. You will vote for other positions based on your membership section and the SNA region you work in. Only SNA Industry members can vote for the Industry Representative on the Board of Directors.
All you will need to vote is your membership number, which can be found on your SNA membership card or on the label of your School Nutrition (SN) magazine. To vote by phone, dial (866) 642-7015, which is a toll-free number. To vote online, go to: https://www.esc-vote.com/sna2008. There you will find a link to a secure online voting page. No matter which method you choose, prompts will guide you through the process!
Please do not underestimate the importance of your vote. Cast your ballot between October 15 and November 15 and let your voice be heard today! Please see Related Links to view biographies of all the candidates, and to watch a brief video of this year’s candidates for vice president. Newly elected candidates will be announced in late November. For questions about the 2009-11 SNA Election, please contact the School Nutrition Association.
SNA Election
SNA Election biographies (PDF)
The current economic downturn is affecting far more than Wall Street investors and mortgage holders. Since April, school nutrition programs nationwide have been the center of news stories focusing on the rising cost of school meals. SNA has tracked over 800 articles dealing with the crisis. Below are some coverage highlights:
The first major article covering the rising cost of school meals appeared in the Washington Post on April 14th. The article looked at how school districts across the country are combating increasing food costs by using creativity in preparing meals. It showcased school districts that are substituting different items, such as sliced tomatoes for cherry tomatoes and orange slices for grapes.
The Washington Post article kicked off a flurry of coverage on the subject. The following day, SNA members appeared on the NBC Today Show, discussing the food cost crisis and what it means for school nutrition programs. SNA President Mary Hill also appeared in an interview with Marketplace, a business news program airing on National Public Radio. The cost of school lunch also became a headline story in USA Today.
In May, national news coverage of the story continued, with an article posted on CNN/Money. SNA spokespersons Sara Gasiorowski and Lynnelle Grumbles discussed what each of their school districts are doing in the face of rising food costs, including re-evaluating employment and substituting certain foods with less expensive options.
School meal cost was also the center of an article in Education Week, a leading publication for educators around the country. The article featured SNA members Penny Parham and Mary Kate Harrison in Florida, Cindy Hobbs in North Carolina, Melanie Konarik in Texas, and Jean Ronnei in Minnesota were featured. Each of the directors discussed the various causes driving up the costs, including energy prices, local wellness policy regulations, and food inflation.
Memorial Day weekend, SNA representatives were featured on two national news broadcasts. SNA President Dr. Katie Wilson was featured on ABC World News Tonight Weekend, where she discussed the need for increased reimbursements in order to keep the school nutrition programs running. SNA spokesperson Cindy Brooks was also featured in a segment on the syndicated BusinessWeek TV program, discussing the challenges her district’s nutrition program is facing.
In mid-August, the Associated Press ran a syndicated article focusing on the affect of rising food costs on school nutrition programs during the new school year.
Also in mid-August, USA Today ran an article on increasing participation n the free and reduced price programs. The article stated that many more families are participating due to the slowing economy.
The New York Times covered school nutrition programs struggles with rising food costs in a September 1st front page story featuring SNA spokesperson Mary Owens in Louisville, Kentucky. Marketplace also covered the issue again in September. SNA Executive Director Barbara Belmont discussed how school nutrition programs nationwide are combating food inflation.
On July 9, 2008, SNA President Dr. Katie Wilson, SNS testified before the House Committee on Education and Labor regarding the soaring cost of food and its effect on the school nutrition programs. In testimony presented before the committee, Wilson remarked that the current reimbursement rate for school meals was not enough to keep school nutrition programs out of the red. In her testimony, Wilson noted that rising food costs are just one of the challenges facing school nutrition programs. Growing labor costs and rising energy prices are also playing a significant role in driving up the cost of preparing a school meal.
The Capitol Hill-focused publication The Hill covered the hearing. Coverage was also carried in national publications such as USA Today and US News and World Report, as well as a nationally syndicated article that appeared in smaller newspapers across the country.
Since mid-April, SNA members have appeared in a wide array of newspapers and television interviews, discussing the crisis. Articles have run in publications from the Tampa Tribune in Florida up the East Coast to the Foster’s Daily Democrat in New Hampshire. SNA members also appeared on local television stations in communities such as Sacramento, California and in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. For additional local news stories, please visit Related Links.
Across U.S., schools feel budget pinch – Christian Science Monitor
Soaring food prices drain school’s lunch budgets – Portland Press Herald
School lunches suffer as costs rise – Miami Herald
Lunch Budget Gets Bitten – Olathe News, Kansas
School lunch prices increase across the state – Des Moines Register, Iowa
Schools nailed by economic woes – Courier Post, New Jersey
Rising cost of food finds its way to the school lunch line – Star Tribune - Minnesota
October 13, 2008 -- SNA submitted comments this week to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) with recommendations for Child Nutrition Reauthorization, set to begin in Congress next year. The comments were in response to an announcement in the Federal Register posted by the FNS seeking input on improvements and changes to be made to the federal child nutrition programs. In a letter to the FNS, SNA president Dr. Katie Wilson emphasized the need for a higher reimbursement rate for school meals, consistent national nutrition standards, funding for school kitchen and cafeteria equipment and more.
The following were outlined by SNA as key priorities that USDA should consider when formulating their proposals for Child Nutrition Reauthorization:
SNA has made many of these same recommendations in testimony to the House Education and Labor Committee during hearings held March 4 and July 9 of this year. SNA members as well as the public may also submit reauthorization comments electronically through regulations.gov or fax to 703-305-2879. To access the entire letter from SNA see below.
SNA Comments to USDA on CN Reauthorization
Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization of 2009
The School Nutrition Association (SNA) encourages the consumption of nutritious, well-balanced school lunches and breakfasts that follow federal nutrition guidelines based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. These meals must provide students with a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, low-fat dairy and whole grains. A careful and scientifically rigorous review of the components required to be part of school meals is currently underway by an expert panel of the Institute of Medicine. Changes to the school meal menu pattern requirements, including calls by special interest advocacy and animal rights groups to prohibit lean processed or cured meats from being served in schools, should be weighed carefully to ensure they are grounded in the most recent scientific research taking into account the limitations of epidemiological studies. The science behind the calls to eliminate processed meats from schools is far from conclusive.
School districts are continuing the push towards healthy school nutrition environments. Within the school cafeteria there has been significant progress in implementing local school wellness policies. Over 90% of districts have implemented nutrition standards for reimbursable school meals. Additionally, schools are offering many different types of healthy food options according to the School Nutrition Operations Report: The State of School Nutrition 2007, including offering fat-free or low-fat milk and fresh fruits and vegetables. School nutrition directors report increased availability of healthful foods:
With regard to specific calls for the removal of processed, or cured, meats from schools by special interest animal rights groups, SNA maintains that lean meats and other proteins are an important part of balanced school meals. Meat, poultry, fish, dry beans and peas, eggs, nuts and seeds supply many key nutrients that children need including protein, B vitamins (niacin, thiamin, riboflavin and B6), vitamin E, iron, zinc and magnesium. Vitamin E, iron and zinc have been singled out as nutrients of concern for their particularly important role in the health of children. School nutrition programs menu processed meats such as hot dogs, sliced deli-style turkey and ham and others because of their nutrition density and popularity among students and society as a whole. Increasingly school nutrition programs are menuing versions of these products that are low in fat and free of hormones and antibiotics. Students receive about 18% of their meals during the calendar year in schools. The lean processed meat served in schools reflects the broader popularity of these proteins in the American diet.
October 9, 2008 -- On Wednesday, October 8, 2008 The School Nutrition Foundation (SNF) held the first webinar of it’s new Webinar Wednesday series, “Paring Food Costs: Comparing Apples to Apples.” The 75-minute webinar was moderated by 2003 Individual Industry Member of the Year Award winner, Shirley Brown, and featured a panel of three school nutrition directors representing school districts of different sizes in various regions:
The webinar was produced in partnership with Rich Products Corporation. Both SNF and Rich’s consider the webinar to be huge success and preliminary evaluation results show that participants felt the webinar was “extremely beneficial” and would recommend future SNF Wednesday Webinars to colleagues and friends!
For those who were unable to participate in the live event, SNF will host a recorded version of the webinar on the following website until November 8, 2008: www.schoolnutrition.org/foodcosts. The archive is free and SNA members can earn 1 CEU for viewing it.
Stay tuned to www.schoolnutrition.org/webinars for further information on the next webinar in SNF’s Webinar Wednesday series, “The Whole (Grain) Truth, and Nothing but the Truth”. This webinar, developed in partnership with ConAgra Foods, will take place on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at 2:00 pm ET. Participation is limited, so register early. Free, online registration will be available during the last week in October.
Paring Food Costs: Comparing Apples to Apples
Webinar Wednesdays
As food, milk, and energy costs continue to rise rapidly, it is increasingly more difficult for school nutrition programs to serve high quality, low cost school meals at the current federal reimbursement rates. Additionally, as the economy worsens more families than ever are turning to these programs to provide their children with healthy, inexpensive meals.
To help school nutrition programs, Senator Bob Casey (D-Penn.) introduced the National Hunger Relief Act of 2008 in late September. The bill, S. 3614, would provide for semi-annual reimbursement rate increases. Instead of raising the reimbursement rate once a year, in July, the new legislation would require the USDA to increase the reimbursement rate twice a year, during January and July. Doing so would allow the federal reimbursement rate to more accurately reflect the cost of preparing a meal, since food prices fluctuate throughout the school year.
Since September 29, 2008, more than 600 Action Alert messages have been sent to Members of Congress. Indiana leads the way with 132 letters sent, followed by Pennsylvania at 117, Massachusetts at 94 and Georgia at 78. If you live in Iowa, Minnesota, or Ohio, your help is especially needed. Please contact your Senators and ask them to co-sponsor this important legislation. To send an Action Alert, please visit the Legislative Action Center.
How to Send an Action Alert
Sending an Action Alert to your Member of Congress is very simple. Just follow these easy steps:
October 7, 2008 -- The School Nutrition Foundation (SNF) in partnership with Rich Products Corporation will be offering a FREE webinar on Wednesday, October 8, 2008, entitled “Paring Food Costs: Comparing Apples to Apples.” The webinar will be moderated by Shirley Brown Ed.D, SNS, of Rich Products Corporation. Speakers include Major City District Director Mary Hill, SNS, of Jackson Public Schools in Jackson, MS and 2008-2009 School Nutrition Foundation President; Melanie Konarik, SNS, of Spring ISD in Houston, TX representing a large school district and SNA's 2008-2009 District of the Year winner; and Paul Yettaw, SNS of Lakeview School District in Battle creek, MI, sharing the small school district director perspective.
For more information on this webinar, including where and how to register, please click here, or visit www.schoolnutrition.org/foodcosts. Registration is free, but is limited – be sure to log-in early to secure your spot for the event. If you are unable to participate in the live webinar, a recorded version will be available free-of-charge at the url above within one business day after the event.
SNA members may earn 1 continuing education unit (CEU) for participating in the webinar. Instructions on how to obtain your CEU can be found by clicking on the URL above. This webinar is the first in SNF’s new “Wednesday Webinars” series and will be offered at no charge. Stay tuned to www.schoolnutrition.org/webinars for information on upcoming Wednesday Webinars throughout the 2008-2009 school year.
Wednesday Webinars
Future Trends - October 2008
October 2, 2008 -- During SNA’s 2008 Annual National Conference, Keynote Speaker Robin Roberts admitted that her career trajectory to co-anchor of “Good Morning America” would have sounded impossible when she entered college in the late Seventies. But she never let conventional wisdom stop her. “I’ve always believed in dreaming big,” she told a rapt audience of school nutrition professionals. “You gotta have humongous dreams.”
This month, School Nutrition is all about dreaming of the future. In a way, this is something you do every day already, whether you’re estimating the time required to complete tomorrow’s tasks or calculating how much inventory you’ll need for the entire district.
But SN magazine is taking such forecasting one step further. In this edition, it explores the emerging profession of futurists—folks who study historic and current trends in order to make (very highly) educated guesses about societal shifts and priorities.
First, get a crash course in future studies by reading “Back to the Futurists.” Next, what will school food be like in the coming years? Preview the menu when you read “Be Our Guess.” And if you’re curious about the technology that will help to make these tasty dishes a reality, turn to “Equipped for the Future” for details on inventory that checks itself in, refrigerators that e-mail you and much more.
After you discover what’s being developed for the future of school foodservice, you might want to consider “Ten Top Trends” that could change America—and your school meal program—in the years to come.
When the going gets tough, the tough start dreaming. And why not? As Robin Roberts said, you gotta have humongous dreams.
SN Magazine