The Institute of Medicine recently released a consensus report titled: “Sodium Intake in Populations: Assessment of Evidence.” Evidence has shown that reducing sodium intake reduces blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Some recent research, however, suggests that sodium intakes that are low may also increase health risks – particularly in certain groups. The IOM concluded that there’s no good evidence that eating very low levels, below the 2,300 milligrams a day that the government recommends for the general population, has benefit even though national guidelines urge that certain high-risk patients do just that. Some advocacy groups like the American Heart Association and Center for Science in the Public interest are still in favor of lowering the recommendation.
Click here to download the IOM report. Click here to read a Washington Post article on the topic.
On Friday, May 3rd, to kick off School Nutrition Employee Week, SNA joined Jarrett J. Krosoczka, author and illustrator of the popular LUNCH LADY graphic novel series, and Random House Children’s Books to host School Lunch Superhero Day.
Across the country, schools recognized the passionate professionals who feed 31 million students every day. SNA followed the fun online, posting photos and reports from schools nationwide at www.facebook.com/SchoolNutritionAssociation; www.facebook.com/TrayTalk and on Twitter @schoollunch.
Krosoczka celebrated the day at his alma mater, Gates Lane Elementary School in Worcester, Massachusetts, leading students and faculty in honoring the school nutrition staff. SNA was there to capture the moment and produce these inspiring videos:
This July, Krosoczka will join SNA members at ANC Kansas City and serve as one of SNA’s exciting General Session speakers. We hope you’ll join us in the Heart of the Nation! And don’t forget to start planning for next year’s School Lunch Superhero Day celebration - creative ideas, downloads and details are available at www.SchoolLunchSuperheroDay.com.
School Nutrition Association has a new resource for members interested in earning positive media coverage for their school meal programs. SNA’s Media Outreach Best Practices Guide offers tips from members of SNA’s Spokesperson Network - school nutrition professionals with extensive experience in media relations. The guide contains ideas for capturing the media’s attention, preparing your cafeteria for a press event and getting the good news out about the healthy, delicious meals you serve.
To read SNA’s Media Outreach Best Practices Guide and other PR resources, including talking points, handouts and more, visit www.schoolnutrition.org/pr.
The US Department of Agriculture has released new guidance regarding Paid Lunch Equity for School Year 2013-2014. The guidance clarifies that state agencies can exempt school meal programs from the paid lunch revenue requirements if they “can demonstrate that the required increase to paid lunch prices or revenue contributions would cause the SFA to exceed the three-month operating balance limit.” The guidance also expands the definition of a non-Federal source of funds to include paid breakfasts. Click here to read the complete guidance memo. SNA is reviewing the guidance and will post further information.