May 29, 2008 -- SNA President Mary Hill, SNS was recently named to an Institutes of Medicine (IOM) committee charged with reviewing school meal patterns and nutrition standards. The project, officially titled Review of National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program Meal Patterns and Standards, includes an expert committee which will review and assess the food and nutritional needs of school-aged children in the United States based on the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI.) The IOM is part of the National Academies of the Sciences.
The committee is further charged with developing a set of economical and practical recommendations for new school meal pattern requirements and standards that reflect current nutrition science and better meet the nutritional needs of students. These recommendations, compiled in a final report, will then be used by USDA Food and Nutrition Service to develop new meal pattern requirement regulations for the federal school nutrition programs such as the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the School Breakfast Program (SBP.) Other committee members come from a variety of backgrounds in academia, school nutrition and medicine. In addition to Mary Hill, SNS, other SNA members on the fourteen member panel include:
According to the IOM, the study will be undertaken in two phases, each resulting in a report that has been reviewed through the Academies' review procedures. The committee's Phase I report will be issued for comment and will outline for the NSLP and for the SBP, the proposed criteria and process for selecting food group and nutrient targets and minimum standards for each week's menus, a reimbursable meal as offered, and a reimbursable meal as served (weighted average over the week). It will also discuss data sources to be used in Phase II and plans for undertaking a sensitivity analysis and approaches to addressing such issues as cost implications and market effects.
The Phase II report will be a comprehensive report that: 1) Updates information from the Phase I report as needed;
2) Reviews scientific information, methods and assumptions underlying the committee's recommendations;
3) Discusses specific issues related to age/grade groups, calories and other key nutrients and food groups emphasized in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, menu planning approaches, foods offered versus served, and attainability of recommendations;
4) Discusses the application of DRIs in this study and implications for the current statutory requirements based on one-third (lunch) or one-half of the IOM Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for calories and key nutrients;
5) Discusses the anticipated economic impact of the recommendations, including implications for school food authorities and commodity markets under the assumptions of full substitution, full supplementation and impact at the expected level of substitution/supplementation.
6) Recommends for NSLP and for SBP specific food groups and nutrient targets for intake by participants in the reimbursable meal service; food group/component and nutrient minimum standards for each weeks' reimbursable meal service menus; for a reimbursable meal as offered; for reimbursable meal as served (i.e., as selected by the student); and a set of 4 week cycle menus.
The project, which began on February 11, 2008, is sponsored by the Food and Nutrition Service of the United States Department of Agriculture. The Phase 1 report is expected to be issued in approximately 11 months. The Phase 2 report will be issued in approximately 21 months. The first meting will take place from June 10-11, 2008, in Washington, DC.
For additional information about the committee and its members, please visit Related Links.
May 28. 2008 -- Legislation that would enact more stringent beef recall procedures was introduced in the U.S. Senate earlier this month. Senator Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) stated that the purpose of the Safe School Lunch Act is to prevent another recall like the Hallmark/Westland beef recall in February.
If passed, the legislation (S. 2592) would give the Secretary of Agriculture the ability to immediately end distribution or order a recall of meat or poultry if there are safety concerns about the product. The legislation would also require the Secretary of Agriculture to improve the recall procedure for the school meal programs, create a food protection plan, develop an information clearinghouse on recalls, and introduce and finalize new regulations. The legislation was introduced in the Senate on Thursday, May 1, 2008 with one co-sponsor, Senator Lautenberg (D-N.J.) At this time; there is not a companion bill in the House of Representatives.
The Safe School Lunch Act would do the following:
• Gives the Secretary of Agriculture authority to immediately cease distribution and/or order a recall of meat, meat products, poultry, or poultry products if the Secretary finds the products may cause serious, adverse health consequences or may be adulterated. Currently, the USDA has no mandatory recall authority and must depend on the industry’s voluntary compliance with recall requests from the agency.
• Requires the USDA to improve the recall procedure in relation to the National School Lunch Program. The USDA will provide the schools with better information and more training regarding the following: any meat, meat products, poultry, or poultry products recalls or recall procedures, disposal of meat, meat products, poultry, or poultry products that have been recalled, and informing parents of a recall in a timely manner.
• The USDA will also be required to establish an information clearinghouse on the internet and ensure that any information is up-to-date and written in a clear manner that is accessible by school employees and parents.
• Within 180 days, the USDA will also promulgate regulations that ensure the agency can track all meat, meat products, poultry, or poultry products from the slaughter premises through to final distribution to the schools.
• Requires USDA to formulate and initiate a Food Protection Plan. The USDA would be required evaluate and review its own inspection and recall procedures for optimal consumer safety and report back to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate within 180 days.
Serving safe and nutritious foods in schools has long been the goal of school nutrition professionals. In recent years, the food-safety record of school nutrition programs has been called into question based on scattered media reports on cafeteria and school kitchen health inspection results. Food safety is of utmost concern in school nutrition programs, because school-age children are a population at risk for foodborne illness due to not yet fully developed immune systems. Every day, school nutrition professionals utilize Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) systems, food safety certification and training and safe food handling procedures to prepare and serve safe, nutritious meals. The School Nutrition Association (SNA) continually supports those efforts through training programs for members, legislative advocacy and collaboration with government, association and private sector partners.
May 27, 2008 -- Due to the increase in food, milk and energy costs, combined with high labor and benefits costs, the federal school meal reimbursement no longer covers the cost to prepare a balanced, nutritious school meal. SNA is currently reviewing all legislative options to help address this crisis. You can take action now by emailing your Senators and Member of Congress to share how rising food prices are impacting your school nutrition program. Thank you to all SNA members who have already contacted Congress, almost 700 messages have been sent to members of Congress so far this month.
SNA Headquarters continues to field 3 to 5 press calls a day concerning rising food costs. Some of the recent news organizations covering this issue include the San Antonio Express-News, the Los Angeles Times, ABC World News Tonight, Business Week Television and the Miami Herald. Since April 15, 2008, over 12 million households have been reached with key SNA messages on the need for additional funding for school meals through broadcast and print media. Additional coverage is expected during the next few weeks. Please visit the Legislative Action Center to send a letter to your Member of Congress.
May 23, 2008 -- Help SNA and the School Nutrition Foundation (SNF) educate parents and school officials with the newly released "Love Your Veggies" Backpack Brochure!
Produced through a partnership with the makers of Hidden Valley Ranch salad dressings, these full-color brochures contain tips and ideas for ways in which parents and school nutrition professionals can work together to encourage children to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. These double-sided, glossy brochures feature recipes and original ideas on how to incorporate veggies into snacks and meals. Why wait? Order these packets* of 100 brochures now from the SNA Emporium by calling (800) 728-0728. Supplies are limited to 10 packets per caller, so phone today and make this school year count for your students and school!
* Packets are free; you pay only shipping and handling.
This Partners in Nutrition brochure is the latest in a series developed by the School Nutrition Foundation and its partner organizations. Over 750,000 copies of these pieces have been ordered and distributed. For information on how to download previous brochures, see the following link: http://www.schoolnutrition.org/Index.aspx?id=1062.
For more information on SNA's Backpack Brochure program, please visit http://www.schoolnutrition.org/Index.aspx?id=1062 or contact the SNA Service Center at (800) 877-8822 ext. 200.
May 21, 2008 -- Snacktime, anyone? Kids across the United States are participating in after school snack programs, which are governed by the federal regulations of the National School Lunch Program. In fact, the number of school nutrition operations running after school snack programs rose from 42% in 2005 to 47% in 2007, according to SNA's 2007 Operations Report.
What types of foods and beverages are kids consuming in these programs? How do the programs operate in terms of administration and costs? SNA's trendSETTERS panel of K-12 school foodservice directors provides answers to these questions, giving an up-to-date picture of what snacktime is like for kids in America's after school snack programs.
No Commercials Here Most of the after school snack programs in respondents' school districts are overseen by those who already have expertise in nutrition, food safety and the logistics of running a foodservice operation-K-12 school nutrition professionals.
The vast majority of trendSETTERS who operate after school snack programs (83%) receive funding through the federal National School Lunch Program. No more than 10% of their programs are funded by other sources, such as private funding, local or state monies or funds available through the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program.
Compliments to the Chef With all these possibilities, what snacks do the kids like the best? Among the most commonly served snacks are fruit (like apple slices and oranges), dairy products (such as string cheese or cheese and crackers), vegetables (like carrots with dip and celery with peanut butter) and grain products (ranging from cereal bars to graham crackers, oatmeal cookies and whole-grain, baked chips). The majority of the after school snack programs surveyed serve fresh produce, whole grains and lowfat bakery and dairy items on a weekly basis. The trendSETTERS also are introducing new snacks, like sunflower and pumpkin seeds, as well as healthier bakery items.
Want to learn more about the foods and beverages served in after school snack programs? Contact SNA at (800) 877-8822 to purchase a subscription to trendSETS. Next, explore the types of new snacks being served during the school day when you read "Leader of the Snacks" in the May 2008 issue of School Nutrition magazine, the flagship publication of SNA.
The School Nutrition Association is a national, non-profit professional organization representing more than 50,000 members who provide high-quality, low-cost meals to students across the country. SNA is the only association devoted exclusively to protecting and enhancing children's health and well being through school meals and sound nutrition education.
SNA Introduces The Daily Mix
May 20, 2008 -- Starting this week, SNA is making available a new electronic publication for members. The Daily Mix is a daily email news brief prepared exclusively for SNA members. In each edition, news articles regarding a variety of topics in school nutrition are complied from publications from across the country and around the world. This new news brief will allow subscribers to stay at the top of their field by becoming aware of innovations and issues affecting school nutrition professionals around the nation. Whether using the articles to stay on top of trends or to identify good ideas for use in one’s own school nutrition program, The Daily Mix is sure to have something for everyone.
If you do not already receive this publication and would like to sign up, please email asteines@schoolnutrition.org.
May 19, 2008 -- In preparation for the 2009 reauthorization of the federal child nutrition programs, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced a series of listening sessions around the country. These listening sessions are a great opportunity for SNA members to voice their thoughts and concerns regarding the school nutrition programs. USDA staff will use the information gathered during these public meetings to shape policy for the 2009 reauthorization bill. All SNA members are strongly encouraged to attend. SNA is currently drafting testimony that highlights the Association’s reauthorization priorities.
Please note that all dates and locations, except June 10, 2008, are tentative. SNA is in contact with USDA and will continue to post more information as it becomes available. SNA has also posted a PowerPoint presentation detailing the Association’s reauthorization priorities. Please visit the 2009 Child Nutrition Reauthorization page for more details.
If you are interested in attending the Boston listening session, please fill out the RSVP form included in Related Links before May 30, 2008. Space is limited, so be sure respond soon.
May 16, 2008 -- After months of delays and contentious debate, the Farm Bill finally passed Congress. On Wednesday, May 14th, the House of Representatives voted 318 to 106 to pass the conference committee report of H.R. 2419, The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. The Senate passed the bill the following day with an 81-15 vote, sending the legislation to the White House. President Bush has threatened to veto the Farm Bill, claiming that the legislation failed to sufficiently cut spending on subsidies. Both the Senate and House passed the legislation by wide enough margins to override a potential veto.
The conference committee's final version of the Farm Bill included several provisions related to the school nutrition programs, several of which are described below:
Debate on the Farm Bill originally began over a year ago. The House passed it's version of the bill on July 27, 2007, while the Senate voted on legislation in December 2007.
May 15, 2008 – SNA’s Emporium will be having a closeout sale on select items until June 30, 2008. Stop by www.emporium.schoolnutrition.org today and stock up on discounted T-shirts, aprons, posters and much, much more!
T-shirts – was $12.00 now $6.00 Aprons - was $14.00 now $7.00 Posters – was $13.25 now $1.00 and under Drinkware – was $6.00 now $2.00 and under
'Grab Bag' A Grab Bag deal is also available for bulk buys and extra savings. You select the size but the t-shirt design remains a surprise. Grab Bag T-shirts are only $5 and aprons are available for $6.
Call 1 800 728 0728 or visit www.emporium.schoolnutrition.org to find out more.
Emporium – The SNA Shop Phone: 1 800 728 0728 Web: www.emporium.schoolnutrition.org
Facing Giants with School Nutrition
May 15, 2008 -- Meeting the current and future challenges of the K-12 school nutrition profession will take commitment, creativity, time and money. Use this month's issue of School Nutrition magazine to identify the major problems-and begin planning the best solutions.
In "Shop Talk," join SN magazine's fourth annual Roundtable of Leaders as they discuss their thorniest difficulties and what inspires them to be passionate about the business of child nutrition. This year's participants included the following foodservice directors from districts large and small: Lilly Bouie of Little Rock (Ark.) School District; Geri Dee, SNS, of Hacienda La Puente Unified School District, Hacienda Heights, Calif.; Paula Montgomery of Fairborn City (Ohio) School District; Connie Mueller, SNS, of Bloomington (Ill.) Public School District #87; Cheryl Sturgeon, SNS, of Jefferson County (Ky.) School District; Debbie Trujillo of Bernalillo (N.M.) Public Schools; and Loretta Zullo, SNS, of Mesa (Ariz.) Unified School District.
But to retain leaders like the members of this year's Roundtable-and to attract future leaders—a reality check may be in order. Read about the challenges that are mounting for school nutrition professionals in "Hard Truths." From charge policies to the beef recall, will the latest crises spell doom for school nutrition, or can this profession rise above its troubles?
Next, take a look at answers to two hot issues: finding snacks that meet your local school wellness policy guidelines and providing online payment systems. In "Leader of the Snacks," discover the new and reformulated products manufacturers are offering, plus creative ideas from colleagues across the nation. In "Safety You Can Bank On," learn about the convenience of online payment systems and how to ensure that yours is safe from lawbreakers-and unexpected liabilities.
Of course, many potential solutions are bound up in the School Nutrition Association's legislative efforts. "Wish I May, Wish I Might" gives you an inside look at SNA's 2008 Legislative Action Conference, which took place in March in Washington, D.C. Advocates already are laying the groundwork for next year's reauthorization of the federal nutrition programs. Hard times are here-and all hands are needed. Be prepared with School Nutrition magazine.
May 14, 2008 -- The impact of rising food costs on the school nutrition programs continues to make headlines. Since an April 15, 2008 article appeared in the Washington Post, several high profile news organizations have carried stories about the economic pressures school nutrition program directors are facing. In all, an audience of over 12 million households was reached with key SNA messages on the need for additional funding for school meals through broadcast and print media.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch and the Houston Chronicle both carried stories outlining the challenges school nutrition programs are up against. In several Houston area school districts, nutrition officials are looking for creative ways to cut costs while not compromising the nutritional integrity of the school meals. In the St. Louis area, many districts are considering raising the price of meals for the first time in nearly a decade.
USA Today also featured the issue in a "Life" section cover story on Thursday, May 1, 2008. The article used the Hallmark / Westland Meat Company beef recall to spotlight the school nutrition program's dependence on commodity foods as well as the necessity of keeping food costs low. Most of the article examines how many school nutrition programs are struggling with rising costs. The article also points out that school meals are the safest and most nutritious option for children during the school day.
CNN's online business publication, CNN Money, also covered the impact of rising costs on school nutrition programs. Several school nutrition directors noted that these are the worst food prices they have ever dealt with. While many school nutrition directors are trying to find creative solutions to deal with rising food costs, some acknowledge that they might have to raise prices or cut jobs in order to maintain their programs.
Coverage on the issue also appeared in Education Week, Sun Sentinel (Fla.), Tampa Tribune (Fla.), Star Ledger (NJ), Reno Gazette (Nev.) Portland Press Herald (Maine), and many more. See Related Links for a full list of the April coverage on this topic.
At this time, SNA is currently exploring all possible legislative solutions in order to provide relief to school nutrition programs. During the last week, SNA met with several Congressional staff members to discuss various ways to alleviate the funding problem, including using emergency legislation. SNA members can take action now by emailing their Senators and Member of Congress to share how rising food prices are impacting local school nutrition programs. Please visit the Legislative Action Center for additional information.
To help school nutrition directors answer questions about rising costs, SNA has added additional resources to a web page linked under the "Quick Links" column on bottom, right side front page of www.schoolnutrition.org. These new resources include a PowerPoint presentation that can be customized and used to present the food cost issue to school boards, as well additional talking points on the topic.
For additional information, please visit Related Links.
May 13, 2008 - Hurry, the Early Bird registration deadline for the 2008 Annual National Conference (ANC) is drawing near—June 6th! If you don't want to miss this unique opportunity to focus on key areas of essential training and education, make your way to Philadelphia, July 20-23, 2008.
Highlights of ANC 2008 will include:
Education: This year's education program will feature more than 80 education sessions in such key topics areas as professional skill building, program administration and commodities, giving you the flexibility to create an agenda that fits your individual needs.
Exhibits: When you step into the ANC Exhibit Hall this year, you will encounter more than 780 booths featuring products, equipment and services designed to improve the success of your school nutrition operation. After you have checked out breakthrough product innovations, continue your Exhibit Hall tour by sitting in on one of several Culinary Demonstrations.
Events: ANC 2008 is sure to sizzle with a variety of thrilling experiences, including the Shake Rattle 'N Roll Silent Auction, the "Philly Fun" Exhibit Hall Scavenger Hunt and the Wellness Event to End World Hunger. And that's not to mention each day's inspiring General Session speakers or the Final Event featuring legendary songstress Patti LaBelle!
Philadelphia sightseeing: Few cities in the United States can rival Philly's historic attractions, all of which are within a few minutes from the Convention Center. You will thrill to the sight of the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Betsy Ross' House, just to name a few.
Take time to recharge your batteries and learn something new at a conference designed to jump-start your school year. Register by June 6th to take advantage of the ANC Early Bird Registration Rate! For more information about this year's event or to register, see the Related Links.
May 11, 2008 -- Most Americans think they know everything about USDA commodities, but did you know that?:
Commodity foods have improved dramatically over the past few decades, but public perception is still framed by myths and inaccuracies. To set the record straight about commodity foods, the USDA has created a new webpage to offer many resources to provide both accurate and timely information about the USDA commodity program and commodity foods.
This new website has resources for school nutrition professionals, the media, and parents. Users can find a variety of factsheets, recipes, talking points and other resources with information about commodities, including the facts listed above. Please visit Related Links for additional information.
ANC Scholarship Deadline June 9
May 9, 2008 -- The School Nutrition Foundation (SNF) along with Lincoln Foodservice Products, Inc. and Winston Industries, LLC, is pleased to announce that the following U.S. states have been selected to receive a scholarship for the 2008 Annual National Conference (ANC) to Philly:
Alabama Arkansas Colorado Delaware Georgia Indiana Mississippi New Mexico New York Oklahoma Pennsylvania South Carolina Tennessee Texas Virginia Washington
If your state is not listed, you still have an opportunity to nominate a foodservice manager or employee from your district.
Remember when submitting a nomination, awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition, a photocopy of the District Director’s registration and payment must accompany the nomination form for ANC 2008. See Related Links for scholarship nomination forms.
May 8, 2008 -- SNA's New Certification Program was unveiled and well received at the National Leadership Conference in Colorado Springs, CO. Presenters of the program were Sandra Ford, SNS, Chair of the Certification and Credentialing Task Force and Danny Seymour, SNA Dean of Education.
SNA has developed a presentation that describes the new requirements for all levels of certification along with the new Trainer Certification program. SNA Leaders are encouraged to use the presentation during upcoming chapter meetings or conferences to make members aware of the new requirements.
Download SNA's New Certification and Credentialing Presentation now!
Next Steps:
If you have any questions concerning the New Certification Program, feel free to contact SNA at (800) 877-8822.
May 6, 2008 -- The USDA announced on Thursday, May 1, 2008 that it will purchase up to $50 million in pork products for use in several domestic nutrition programs, including the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program. The purchase will help support hog farmers that are currently losing money due to changes in the national economy.
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.
May 2, 2008--The School Nutrition Association has achieved three prestigious awards for its communications and public awareness efforts. Its “School Breakfast: Fuel Your Imagination” campaign to promote National School Breakfast Week (NSBW) 2008 received a Gold Hermes Award from the Association of Marketing & Communication Professionals. And its flagship publication, School Nutrition magazine, earned EXCEL Awards in a competition sponsored by the Society of National Association Publications.
NSBW encourages America’s school children to eat balanced, nutritious breakfasts through the federal School Breakfast Program. Studies have shown that kids who start the day with breakfast can improve their academic performance significantly. The “Fuel Your Imagination” campaign reached out to operators and children through a colorful, educational website, promotional tool kit, media coverage, prizes, special menus and more. The international Association of Marketing & Communication Professionals recognized the campaign with its prestigious Gold Hermes Award.
The editorial content and design of School Nutrition magazine was lauded by publications professionals in the annual, peer-reviewed EXCEL Awards contest from the Society of National Association Publications. The magazine earned honors for Magazine-General Excellence (in the category of 50,000+ readers) and for its media kit. This year’s awards competition drew a record-breaking number of entries.
From helping America’s kids learn healthy eating habits to delivering in-depth news about the business of school nutrition, SNA provides its members with award-winning services. SNA is a national, non-profit professional organization representing thousands of members who provide high-quality, low-cost meals to students across the country. SNA is the only association devoted exclusively to protecting and enhancing children’s health and well-being through safe, nutritious school meals and sound nutrition education.
May 1, 2008 -- The School Nutrition Foundation is pleased to announce that applications are currently available for the second annual Winston Equipment Award. Through this award, Winston Industries is awarding 10 pieces of equipment to one school district in need of improving its school meal kitchen equipment for schools in that district. Equipment received from this award may include holding cabinets, holding drawers, steamer, cook and holds, therm and holds and display cabinets.
Eligibility Requirements:
For an application please visit the following: http://docs.schoolnutrition.org/files/WinstonIndustriesEquipmentAward.doc
Award applications must be postmarked by September 5, 2008. Late proposals will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed and the award recipient announced in the first week of November 2008.
Please contact the School Nutrition Foundation at snf@schoolnutrition.org for any questions regarding the Winston Equipment Award.