Legislative Action

Featured Alert

Funding for School Nutrition Programs
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 remains committed to advocating for increased funding for Child Nutrition Programs and supports the National Hunger Relief Act of 2008, S. 3614, introduced in September 2008 by Senator Bob Casey (D-PA.) Take action now by emailing your Senators and Member of Congress to share how rising food prices are impacting your school nutrition program.

• More Info
• SNA Position Statement 
• Saved by the Lunch Bell: As Economy Sinks, School Nutrition Program Participation Rises (PDF) December 2008 report

More Action Alerts

The School Nutrition Value

Send a letter to the editor of your local paper about the nutritional and economic value of school lunch. In an economic downturn where families are counting every penny, purchasing a school lunch can save families hundreds of dollars each school year.   

More Info

Issues and Legislation

Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization of 2009 

• SNA Comments to USDA on CN Reauthorization October, 2008
• Child Nutrition Forum Statement of Principles December 2008 - Sign Up Your Group Now!
• USDA Summary of Comments Received at 2008 Child Nutrition Reauthorization Listening Sessions 
• Intoduction to Reauthorization 09 Power Point for State Associations and Chapters, updated November 2008
• SNA Open Forum Discussion Board on Reauthorization 

National School Nutrition Standards
SNA has engaged in a dialogue with school nutrition professionals to advocate for national school nutrition standards for school meals and other foods and beverages available in schools. Resources and links relating to this effort can be accessed here.

• School Nutrition Association National Nutrition Standards (PDF)
• July 2008 Congressional Testimony: The Rising Cost of Food and its Impact on Federal Child Nutrition Programs 
• March 2008 Congressional Testimony: Challenges and Opportunities for Improving School Nutrition 
• Institute of Medicine Review of National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program Meal Patterns and Nutrient Standards (school meals)
• Institute of Medicine Nutrition Standards for Foods in Schools (non-school meals)

Legislation and Issues
Updated list of school nutrition related bills and legislation introduced in Congress.

Policies and Regulations

The school nutrition programs are operated through a federal, state, and local partnership.  All three areas of government set policies and regulations that affect how the programs are run.

Federal Legislation

• Child Nutrition Programs: Legislative History Highlights 
• Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (in Adobe Acrobat format)
• Public Law 108-265 Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 (in Adobe Acrobat format)
• Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act  (in Adobe Acrobat format)

Federal Regulations

• Regulations of the Department of Agriculture - Chapter II -- Food and Nutrition Service, Department of Agriculture 
• USDA School Meal Regulations Website 

State

State Competitive Food Policies (in Adobe Acrobat format)
SNA has created a database of state legislated competitive food standards.  Click on this link to see if your state has a policy in place.

State Reimbursement Rates and School Meal Mandates (in Adobe Acrobat format)
SNA provides a listing of states that provide reimbursement money to school districts over the federally required amount.  This listing also notes states that require school districts to provide school nutrition programs.

Local

Local School Wellness Policies 
One section of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 requires that all school districts that participate in the National School Lunch Program have local wellness policies by July 1, 2006. The School Nutrition Association (formerly ASFSA) has put together tools to help assist the school community in dealing with this new requirement.

Grassroots

Learn the issues, use the resources, get active and make your voice heard.

• Find Your Elected Officials Look up all your elected officials using your zip code
• Cafeteria Site Visits 101 New toolkit that helps you host a member of Congress for lunch
• Election 2008 Congressional, state and presidential election information
• Capitol Hill Basics Communicating with elected officials
• Media Guide Locate and write local members of the press
• Legislative Toolkit Templates, tips and more