C HILD N UTRITION REAUTHORIZATION T HE H EALTHY, H UNGER -F REE K IDS ACT 2010 PUBLIC LAW Southwest Superintendent Meeting Henniker February 11, 2011 Elaine VanDyke,
P ROPOSED R ULES PROCESS Rules that guide the ACT take time to develop and implement. The ACT has a three-year implementation phase of the more complex laws. There are portions of the law that are retroactive to October 1, The Bureau has a section of our website where all Reauthorization memos are posted.
HIGH LIGHTS OF THE LAW Supports new paperless options for universal meal service Includes new School Financing Provisions Creates a new option for schools in high poverty areas to offer free meals to ALL students Sets performance benchmarks for Direct Certification Makes foster children automatically eligible for free meals. Provides guidance on allowable charges to school food service accounts Requires a review of local charging policies and the provision of alternate meals served to children. Requires school districts to gradually increase their paid meal charges until the revenue per meal matches the federal free reimbursement level.
HIGH LIGHTS OF THE LAW Enhances school nutrition quality Improves Direct certification Adds 6 cents performance based increase in meal rates for school lunches that meet forthcoming nutrition standards for breakfast and lunch. Gives USDA authority to establish nutrition standards for all foods sold on the school grounds throughout the day. Strengthens Local School Wellness Policies requirements to provide for public input, transparency and implementation plan. Allows only lower-fat milk options to be served. Ensures that water is available free of charge during the meal service. Sets performance benchmarks Makes foster children automatically eligible for free meals.
A CTIONS S CHOOLS C AN T AKE NOW Nutritionally: Increase the amount of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables you serve during meals Limit milk choices to fat free and/low-fat Consider how Free water may be provided Offer more WHOLE grains to students Review Wellness Policies Financially: Ensure that the your districts are monthly utilizing the Direct Certification software Review your Charging Policies to ensure the policies address annual debt collection and payments, alternate meals served Review meal price charged to “paid” students in relation to Free reimbursement. Review any indirect costs charged to Food Service
NEXT STEPS It is a process to implement and train to new legislation Expect USDA to summarize public comments Develop interim and final rule Revise technical Assistance materials USDA will work with State Agencies to facilitate implementation
W HERE TO GO FOR HELP Bureau of Nutrition Programs and Services USDA School Meals site Contacts: Bureau of Nutrition Programs and Services Advocates: HNH foundation T: (o) (c) Website: