An Update… The Case For the New Meal Patterns and The Smart Snacks in School Rule Loriann Knapton, DTR, SNS School Nutrition Team October 2013

Nutrition Standards for all foods sold in schools. Smart Snacks: What - When - Where and Why

What? All Foods Sold in schools During Meal Service School stores Vending machines Fundraisers Snack bars Classrooms Other venues

What? Allowed Foods Whole Grain Rich First Ingredient – fruit, vegetable, dairy, protein 10% of RDV* calcium, potassium, Vit D, fiber Calorie, sodium*, fat and sugar limits *July 1, 2016

What? All Schools May Sell: Plain Water (with or without carbonation) Unflavored low fat milk Unflavored or flavored fat free milk 100% fruit or vegetable juice 100% fruit or vegetable juice diluted with water (with or without carbonation) – no added sweeteners * 8 oz portions – elementary schools *12 oz portions - middle schools *20 oz portions – high schools with other low calorie options

When? The Rule takes effect July 1, 2014 From Midnight until 30 minutes after the end of the official school day. Does not effect outside activities or afterschool events beginning 30 minutes after the end of the day Comment Period: until October 28, Schools will be able to provide feedback during implementation

Where? School Campus All Areas of the property under the jurisdiction of the school that are accessible to students during the school day. For example, The school forest or learning area considered off campus but part of the school environment.

Why? Improving the nutritional profile of all foods sold in school is critical to… Improve the diet and overall health of American Children Ensure children from all income levels adopt healthy eating habits that will enable them to live productive lives Help children make healthier choices and reduce their risk of obesity. School is the learning environment – You are the teachers!

Next Steps? A Proactive Approach! Marketing begins now! School Wellness Policy Engage the stakeholders What’s right for kids Be the Teacher

Why Sticking With The New School Lunch Program Makes Sense From an Article by Chef Ann Cooper

The Argument: Schools are losing money! The purpose of school food programs is not to make money. The purpose is to feed our children with meals that nourish their bodies and give them energy to focus, concentrate and learn - Chef Ann Cooper

The Argument: Food is Wasted! “ We cannot expect children to switch from pudding to apples without help.” –Chef Ann Cooper “Here’s the thing. Most Children would rather not study, or do homework or puzzle out that really difficult word problem. But at school we teach them. We don’t give up on children because they initially resist the difficulties of Spanish or earth science or geometry and we should not give up on feeding them healthy food because they initially refuse an apple.” - - Chef Ann Cooper

The Learning Curve? For healthy habits… “Children Need to Learn Healthy Eating Habits” “If they are throwing out apples, they REALLY need to learn healthy eating habits. School is the place where we can educate them”. – Chef Ann Cooper

The Obstacle? A common perception… “The big obstacle is the perception that we can’t feed children healthy food in school and that they won’t eat it. “This perception fails our children. We’ve got to give them the chance to develop the healthy eating habits that will serve them well for the rest of their lives.” – Chef Ann Cooper

The Results? Positive! “1% of 521 School Districts surveyed by the School Nutrition Association said the were dropping out of the program. That means that 99% of districts (surveyed) continue to participate in the NSLP ” – Chef Ann Cooper A new study out this week published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has found that school lunch programs with stricter nutrition standards may be helping to reduce obesity in children, especially those who receive free or reduced lunches.Journal of the American Medical Association Marketplace Morning Report April 10, 2013

Thank you School Nutrition Professionals! Keep up the good work!