In an article in the National Journal's Congress Daily today (March 26, 2009) Agriculture Secretary Vilsack discusses school nutrition programs and child nutrition reauthorization. While the full article is not online - this excerpt may of interest to school nutrition professionals and advocates:

"Noting that some school nutrition administrators recently testified before the Senate Agriculture Committee that school superintendents are charging an increasing array of costs such as electricity to the school lunch budget, Vilsack said it is appropriate for Congress to address indirect costs in its reauthorization effort.

"The money we are providing for nutrition needs to be used for nutrition," Vilsack said. "Notwithstanding the fact that school budgets are strapped, it is not designed to fund other important work of the school district. That's state and locals' responsibility."

From http://www.nationaljournal.com/congressdaily/cda_20090326_7400.php

Send an email action alert to Congress now requesting funding for school meals as part of the child nutrition reauthorization process: Reauthorization Action Alert 

A two-fer today:

SNA released the 2009 Legislative Issue Paper today - click here for more info:

http://www.schoolnutrition.org/Blog.aspx?id=11458&blogid=622

From the Kitchen to the Congress: A Child Nutrition Reauthorization Blog was also launched today.  Find it here: http://www.schoolnutrition.org/Blog2.aspx?blogid=512

Secretary Vilsack was confirmed and started work this week. Below are a couple of press/blog accounts of some of what he has said on school nutrition this week:

"The secretary said Obama has stressed to him that USDA should provide
more nutritious food to children, but that he was also quite adamant
that USDA should help increase the supply of alternative fuel and
energy."

"New Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, discussed the difficult economic issues facing the country, discrimination at the USDA, and health care and nutrition issues yesterday (1/22) in a wide-ranging address to USDA employees. "The health care issue is a big issue…that’s why it’s important to promote a nutritious diet…and make sure children have access to healthy foods," he told a packed audience."

A bipartisan group of 38 U.S. Senators, led by Senator Harkin (D-IA) and Senator Lugar (R-IN) wrote a letter sent yesterday urging the incoming Administration to provide new funding for re-authorizing and funding of federally-sponsored school breakfasts and lunches and snacks and meals in after-school and child care settings. In a letter to President-elect Barack Obama, the lawmakers said added funding for the new legislation is critical to improving child health and for increasing the participation of low-income children, particularly because of deteriorating economic conditions.

 The Food and Nutrition Service of the USDA recently posted a comprehensive summary of the listening sessions they held this past year to solicit input on 2009 child nutrition reauthorization. The overarching message from the sessions was the need for additional funding for school meals. Access the summary here.  

 SNA coverage and witness testimony on Senate hearing: click here. 

Memo to USDA on SNA priorities for child nutrition reauthorization 2009 - click here to read the full letter. 

 SNA President Dr. Katie Wilson briefed Congress in October on two key issues for child nutrition reauthorization: national nutrition standards and the need for increased funding. Click here to learn more.