April 30, 2009 -- Today Senator Tom Harkin (D- Ia.) introduced the Child Nutrition Promotion and School Lunch Protection Act (S. 934.) The legislation, a companion bill to HR 1324 in the House of Representatives, would give the Secretary of Agriculture the authority to regulate the sale of foods sold outside of the federal school nutrition programs. The legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Bob Casey (D-Penn.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Kent Conrad (D-N.D.), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.).
The current bill is very similar to bills introduced in the 109th and 110th Congresses. The legislation would update the definition of Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value to correspond with current nutrition science. This bill would also expand the time and place rule, allowing the Secretary of Agriculture to have authority over competitive foods (foods and beverages sold on the school campus during the school day that compete with the nutritious meals available through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.) SNA has long advocated that all foods served and sold in school should be held to an appropriate and consistent nutrition standard. Failure to apply the same rules to all foods sold on campus throughout the school day erodes the efforts schools are making to ensure the nutritional quality and value of school meals offered inside the cafeteria.
The Child Nutrition Promotion and School Lunch Protection Act of 2009 addresses nutrition standards for foods served outside (and therefore not part of) the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP). The NSLP and SBP nutrition standards and meal pattern requirements are updated by the US Department of Agriculture and are required by law to be consistent with the goals of the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans. A panel convened by the Institute of Medicine is currently reviewing the NSLP nutrition standards and meal pattern requirements.
SNA supports the creation of a consistent, national nutrition standard for all foods served during the school day. A child’s nutrition needs are the same, whether they reside in Maine or Montana. Consistent standards are needed to promote wellness and send a clear message to students. SNA supports the Child Nutrition Promotion and School Lunch Protection Act as an important step in the right direction. Along with SNA, the following other groups support Senator Harkin’s bill: American Dental Association, American Diabetes Association, American Dietetic Association, American Heart Association and the Center for Science in the Public Interest.
S. 934
UPDATE May 6, 2009
Update on School (K – 12) and Childcare Facilities: Interim CDC Guidance in Response to Human Infections with the Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus New CDC Guidance on School Closures
UPDATE: May, 5 2009
With over 400 schools closed nationally due to H1N1, here is aditional information from the US Department of Education:
FAQs
Transcript of April 27 ED-CDC conference call with education community
ED.gov’s emergency planning page on pandemic flu
Secretary Duncan’s April 29 statement on the H1N1 flu outbreak
CDC FLU GUIDANCE ONLINE:
CDC influenza Web site
CDC guidance re: school closings and other mitigation
NEW E-MAIL ADDRESS FOR REPORTING FLU-RELATED SCHOOL CLOSINGS and QUESTIONS:
U.S Department of Education, Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools, flu@ed.gov
Information from the American Meat Institute
H1N1 Influenza Resource Page
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April 27, 2009 -- Yesterday the US Department of Agriculture and the Centers for Disease Control issued statements and information about the cases of Influenza A (H1N1) that have been confirmed in the United States and abroad. The following key facts are most relevant to school nutrition professionals:
The following statement was posted by USDA on April 26, 2009:
"I would like to express my deepest sympathies for those who have lost loved ones to the flu as well as those who have been sickened. I also wanted to reassure the public that there is no evidence at this time showing that swine have been infected with this virus. According to scientists at USDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, swine flu viruses are not transmitted by food so you cannot get swine flu from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork or pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills all viruses and other foodborne pathogens. USDA has in place, and did so before the last week's events, a surveillance system to monitor animal health. As an additional precautionary measure, I have asked USDA to reach out to agriculture officials in every state to affirm that they have no signs of this virus type in their state. USDA will continue to work with other government agencies to monitor the situation and keep the public informed."
A comprehensive set of questions and answers has also been posted and can be accessed below along with the CDC statement. Among the questions included in these two documents are the following:
USDA Frequently Asked Questions on Swine Influenza
CDC Information Page
Do any swine have the virus that has infected humans?
Can I get this new strain of virus from eating pork or pork products?
What is this flu that people are talking about in the news?
There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
April 23, 2009 - The 11th Annual Global Child Nutrition Forum will kick off in Stellenbosh, South Africa on May 5, 2009. For the first time since its inception in 1997, the Global Child Nutrition Foundation (GCNF) is collaborating with another organization, Joint Aid Management (JAM), on this project. This Forum also marks the first time the meeting has been held overseas and expectations are high that the event will help fulfill GCNF’s vision of a world in which hunger is not a barrier to children learning.
GCNF
The two part event spans about a week and meetings will take place at the Protea Hotel Stellenbosch. The theme for the Forum is: A Catalyst for Development: Linking Sustainable School Feeding and Local Farm Production. Thirty-six delegates are invited from African, Latin American and Middle Eastern Countries. Confirmed participants include Ghana, Mozambique, Angola, Nigeria, Tanzania, Swaziland, Benin, Burundi, Egypt, Rwanda, South Africa, Malawi, Zambia, Kenya and Brazil. The Forum bring together experts to assist leaders in developing countries start or expand sustainable school feeding programs. Upon returning home they serve as resources in their countries and often for neighboring nations developing feeding programs. The Forum is the flagship program of the Global Child Nutrition Foundation and during the past decade, over 200 international delegates from 83 countries have participated and left with information and plans to advance school feeding.This year the Forum will be preceded by the 2nd Annual School Feeding Roundtable, sponsored by JAM, on May 3-4, 2009. This meeting will be a continuation of the first roundtable that took place at George Washington University in Washington, DC, June 24-25, 2008. This meeting brought together non-governmental organizations (NGO’s), private voluntary organizations (PVO’s), donors and other interested parties working to advance and improve global school feeding programs around the world. JAM USA, the Alliance to End Hunger, GCNF, and the Center for Global Health at the George Washington University saw an opportunity to bring interested parties together to discuss and address the issues facing school feeding programs. The Roundtable is an effort to bring the relevant actors to the table at one time to address a number of concerns and issues facing donors and implementers in the realm of school feeding – sustainability of programming, coherence and collaboration of implementation between organizations, measurement of progress, and improvement of monitoring and evaluation, among others. Roundtable topics to be discussed in May include school feeding best practices; overcoming school feeding gaps and misconceptions, such as lack of nutritional impact and early childhood development; the future of school feeding in the developing world, including the impact of high food prices, shrinking budgets and a lack of national ownership. Participation in both the Global Child Nutrition Forum and the School Feeding Roundtable are by invitation only and SNA will bring you updates from the event.
April 22, 2009 - Now in its third year, the Global Child Nutrition Foundation (GCNF) continues to build capacity in order to assist countries in developing and operating sustainable school feeding programs. In conjunction with Global Child Nutrition Month, the Foundation recently made two announcements.
The Global Development Program at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation awarded GCNF a grant in the amount of $125,000. The purpose of this grant is to provide research based information and comprehensive technical assistance for leaders in developing countries and to provide a platform for the expansion of country operated sustainable school feeding programs. The project includes:
The 2009 Global Child Nutrition Forum will be held May 5-9, 2009, in Stellenenbosch, South Africa. The Forum, the tenth held by GCNF, marks the beginning of a three-year technical assistance cycle to advance school feeding through sharing problem solving guidance and ongoing communication with country leaders from selected developing countries. This grant will fund the meeting expenses for approximately 20 delegates from African countries.
The Policy and Funding Study to Support Country Operated Programs will be lead by Donna Wittrock, SNS, School Nutrition Association Past President and Alberta Frost, former USDA administrator. They will develop a report on the policy and funding mechanisms from several middle-income countries such as Brazil, Jordan, Malaysia and Chile. This report will be used as a guide for other countries initiating and/or expanding their school feeding programs.
In April GCNF President Gene White and former USDA-FNS Child Nutrition Director Stan Garnett will be traveling to the city of Deyang in the Szechwan Province to assess local needs and make recommendations for a school feeding model that can be replicated throughout China.
Separately, the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service announced earlier this month the award of a major Food for Education 3-year grant for food assistance in Angola to Joint Aid Management (JAM). GCNF will be collaborating on this project playing a supporting role over three years to provide the government of Angola with technical assistance for policy development and capacity building to start a national school feeding program.
All of these exciting programs need your support - and the Change Our World campaign held as part of Global Child Nutrition Month provides the perfect opportunity to contribute your loose change to support GCNF. April is Global Child Nutrition Month and to celebrate, the School Nutrition Association (SNA), in conjunction with the Global Child Nutrition Foundation (GCNF) is encouraging school nutrition professionals to take a day, a week, or the whole month to partner with students and teachers in raising funds to fight global hunger. Nearly 300 million of the world’s children are caught in the debilitating cycle of poverty and hunger. According to the World Food Programme, 170 million of these children attend school, but most do not receive meals there. Because a hungry child cannot learn, GCNF works to help nations build and sustain school feeding programs to nurture and educate children. During Global Child Nutrition Month, school nutrition professionals are encouraged to participate in a grassroots effort to collect coins in schools across the country. Through the Change Our World campaign, the funds raised will be used to support GCNF and other local and international hunger organizations. Hundreds of school districts nationwide are participating this month with over $35,000 already pledged. Find out more by visiting the Related Links below.
Global Child Nutrition Foundation
Change Our World
April 22, 2009 – Add ‘eat school lunch’ to the list of things you can do to celebrate Earth Day this year. Whether it is purchasing and menuing locally grown fruits, vegetables or skim milk – and saving fuel in the process – incorporating energy-efficient appliances in the kitchen or recycling plastic milk bottles, lunch trays and other items, earth-friendly practices continue to grow in popularity year-round in America’s school cafeterias.
In Duluth, Minn., a whole school conservation culture exists at Harriett Beecher Stowe Elementary School, which has been a “zero-waste” school for more than 10 years. Principal Terry Cottingham reports that the school receives many visitors who want to see how they successfully provide “educational excellence with an environmental emphasis.” The foodservice department plays a big part in the school’s conservation approach. Most menu items—even yogurt—are bought in bulk and portioned to students. Students who bring lunch from home are encouraged to pack their food in washable containers and to carry reusable sacks or lunch boxes.
The cafeteria features two custom-designed counters with cutouts that facilitate recycling. Children discard excess milk and juice in one; cloth napkins (which are washed daily) go in a second; a third slot is for milk cartons; a fourth is for meat, bread and potato scraps; and, finally, there is a spot for fruit and vegetable waste. The meat scraps are sent to a local pig farmer. The produce scraps go to the worms. The school boasts a worm-based composting program, with worm bins maintained in a shed on school grounds.
In South Carolina, just yesterday state Education Department officials announced a pilot program to recycle school lunch trays and curb the amount of lunchroom trash. Disposable trays made from bamboo and sugar cane will be delivered to Hand Middle School this week, replacing the plastic foam trays the school currently uses. The new bamboo and sugar cane trays are biodegradable and will be picked up from the school and recycled.
Over on the west coast, the Beaverton (Ore.) High School cafeteria earned LEED certification when it was built as an addition to the existing high school several years ago. The building gained certification points for the manner in which it was constructed and for the materials involved. The design features daylight on three sides of the structure. The HVAC system and controls, as well as the kitchen equipment, all are energy efficient.
One popular green initiative that is taking hold nationally is buying food that is produced locally. By buying from local growers and producers, whether it is apples or milk, school nutrition operations are helping to:
Research has highlighted the success and effectiveness of farm to school and ‘buy local’ programs. From Portland, Ore., to Shawnee, Okla., experience and studies have shown school lunch participation, by students and teachers, increases with farm to school program participation. Students on average eat significantly more servings of fruits and vegetables. Increased participation and consumption can result in enhanced revenues for school nutrition programs as well. Farm to school programs also offer additional educational opportunities such as farm tours, farmer visits to the classroom, school gardens, waste management and recycling programs. The 2007 State of School Nutrition Operations Report found that a third of school nutrition programs were buying local produce two years ago. All indications point to an increase in this practice.
The January 2009 and January 2008 issues of SNA’s School Nutrition magazine focused on the trend of districts and schools “Going Green,” highlighting even more examples of school nutrition programs around the country that are incorporating a variety of environmental practices. See Related Links to learn more.
Join the Green Team! School Nutrition magazine January 2009
Green Technologies School Nutrition magazine January 2008
Farm Fresh School Lunch
April 20, 2009 -- The School Nutrition Foundation (SNF) in partnership with the National Dairy Council (NDC) will be offering a FREE 75-minute webinar on Wednesday, May 13, 2009, entitled “Fuel Up to Play: Help Shape a Healthier Environment.” NDC and the National Football League (NFL) have joined forces to develop an in-school program - Fuel Up to Play - aimed at tackling the nation’s current child health and nutrition crisis. This research-based program encourages youth to take action for their own health and provides tools and resources to help improve their school environment. The entire school will accept the challenge to make changes that get students to play for 60 minutes daily and impact the access to and consumption of foods most children don’t get enough of, such as low-fat and fat-free milk and milk products, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Participants will learn how to get involved in this program, earn CEU’s for implementation, and how to make the case for the connection of health and nutrition to student achievement in order to involve other school stakeholders.
The session will be moderated by Peggy Lee, MBA, SNS. Kern Halls from Orange County Public Schools, Linda Irby from Hampton City Schools and John McGrath from Smithfield School District will speak about their experiences with implementing the program in their schools. Time will be allotted at the end of the session for audience Q&A.
Title: Fuel Up to Play: Help Shape a Healthier Environment
Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Time: 2:30 PM EDT (Eastern Daylight Time)
Duration: 75 minutes (approximately)
For more information on this webinar visit www.schoolnutrition.org/fuelupwebinar or click here to register. SNA members may earn 1 continuing education unit (CEU) for participating in the webinar. Instructions on how to obtain your CEU can be found by clicking on the URL above.
This webinar is the seventh in SNF’s “Webinar Wednesdays” series and will be offered at no charge. Stay tuned to www.schoolnutrition.org/webinars for information on upcoming Wednesday Webinars throughout 2009
April 18, 2009 – President Barack Obama announced yesterday his intent to nominate Kevin W. Concannon as Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Concannon will serve with Secretary Tom Vilsack. "In the past 25 years, Kevin Concannon has been Director of four health and human service agencies in three states—Iowa, Maine and Oregon," Vilsack said. "In these positions, Kevin has led state efforts to make food stamps and emergency food assistance more accessible to those in need. "From children's and juvenile services, to Medicaid, public health and many other areas, Kevin has dedicated his career to improving the lives of millions in every stage and every circumstance of life. Now we're tapping his leadership and experience to serve citizens across the nation and address President Obama's deep concern for the health and welfare—and particularly the nutrition—of America's children." As Director of the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) from 2003 to 2008, Concannon headed an agency that serves close to one million Iowans each year. He was Maine's DHS Commissioner from 1995 to 2003; Director of Oregon's DHS from 1987 to 1995; and Commissioner of the Maine Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation from 1980 to 1987. In these offices, Concannon helped transform state welfare systems; led major initiatives in prescription drug access; championed improvements in child support and child care programs; and led long-term care system reform for the elderly, among many other achievements. Concannon has held many national leadership roles. He has served as President of the American Public Welfare Association and President of the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors. He was Co-Chair of the Milbank Fund's Reforming States' Health Care Steering Committee and a member of the Harvard University Executive Session on the Future of Child Welfare, among other positions. A native of Portland, Maine, Concannon holds a B.A. degree from St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, and a M.S.W. degree from St. Francis Xavier University and the Maritime School of Social Work, Halifax, Nova Scotia. He and his wife M. Eileen Concannon have four adult sons.
Earlier this month Secretary Vilsack announced Dr. Janey Thornton, SNS as Deputy Under Secretary of Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services.
USDA Press Release Announcing New Under Secretary of FNS
Dr. Janey Thornton Named Deputy Under Secretary of USDA Food and Nutrition Service
April 16, 2009 -- This morning ABC's Good Morning America show aired a segment on the Albuquerque, New Mexico, district school meal charge policy and the struggles that parents and schools are having with unpaid school lunch bills. SNA estimates that about half of all school district nutrition programs have seen an increase in the number of parents who do not qualify for free meals but who can no longer afford the price of a reduced price or paid meal. School districts handle this situation differently, some allowing meals to be charged, others providing an alternate meal. The School Nutrition Association has long held the position that nutritious, balanced school meals should be available to all school children at no cost.
SNA talked extensively with ABC producers providing background for today's segment. Many school nutrition programs and school districts around the country have implemented creative policies to ensure school lunch debt is collected and meal charges are addressed without stigmatizing students. The Association has compiled resources and sample policies to help school districts address this situation in a manner that protects children and results in balanced meals for all. There are also legislative and regulatory changes that can be made at the federal level to address this issue. SNA supports the legislation being drafted by Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA) that would provide meals at no cost to all children in school. Additionally, SNA supports the following policy proposals that could be included in the 2009 Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act expected to be passed by Congress later this year:
Sandwiches of Shame? Schools Crack Down on Parents Who Don't Pay Lunch Bills ABC News
Legislative Issue Paper
Action Alert - Contact Congress
Charge Policy Resources
No Money for School Lunch - New York Times
No More Free Lunch - Associated Press
April 15, 2009 -- Congress is on “recess” meaning members of Congress are back in their home districts and attending local Town Hall sessions. Now is the time to attend those sessions and speak on the need for increased funding for school nutrition programs. Below you will find a few talking points on the need for adequate school meal funding as well as a list of Town Halls by state where members of Congress will be taking questions and comments.
Review the list below to determine if your member of Congress will be holding a Town Hall meeting or forum and where it will be held. You can look up your member of Congress by zip code (and local contact information) if you need to here. Check with the local district office of the member of Congress to see if you need to RSVP or sign up to ask a question or speak at the event. Next you will want to craft your message. Consider the following talking points that can be framed as questions or comments at the Town Hall event. Note that you will probably have less than a minute to make your point:
Finally, attend the Town Hall and speak at the event. Please report back to SNA or your regional PPL member (see related links below) about your experience. Congressional recesses are also a great time to set up one on one meetings at the District Offices of your members of Congress as well as school cafeteria site visits.
BERNIE SANDERS
LEE TERRY (NE-2)
BEN RAY LUJAN (NM-3)
CHUCK GRASSLEY
FRANK LUCAS (OK-3)
MIKE ROSS (AR-4)
STEVE KAGAN (WI-8)
RICK BOUCHER (VA-9)
Cafeteria Site Visits 101
April 15, 2009 -- Hundreds of members entered the ANC 2009 Postcards sweepstakes between October 2008 and March 2009 for a chance to win a free ANC registration. We are pleased to announce our three lucky and excited winners:
The three sweepstakes winners each receive a complimentary registration to SNA’s 63rd Annual National Conference in Las Vegas, NV.
Congratulations to all!
ANC Postcards
Check out the Postcards Entries at ANC SNA received hundreds of heartfelt or funny postcards about life in the school nutrition or the benefits and fun of attending conferences each year. Highlights from these postcards will be displayed at ANC Vegas in the Emporium and Marketplace. They are well worth a read!
ANC 2009 – The Premiere School Nutrition Event Las Vegas, NV June 29- July 2, 2009www.schoolnutrition.org/anc
April 8, 2009—It’s time for the details school nutrition professionals have been waiting for!
The April 2009 issue of School Nutrition, SNA’s flagship publication, presents the themes for National School Lunch Week (NSLW) 2009 and National School Breakfast Week (NSBW) 2010. Readers can glean some suggestions from the ideas presented or come up with their own creative options. No matter what ideas school nutrition professionals use to plan these upcoming events, students are bound to love the innovative promotions and fun meal plans.
In “All-Star School Lunch!”, readers can learn all about exciting ways to work with other adults in their schools to capitalize on children’s fascination with sports—both as participants and spectators. Daily menu suggestions are also provided.
It was a long, intense campaign, but after a three-year journey, Pete Pizza emerged as the winner of SNA’s “Vote for School Lunch” program. But Pete wasn’t the only successful participant in 2008’s NSLW; readers all over the country came up with their own promotions and involved their staff in creative ways to bring students’ attention to the culinary campaign.
The magazine’s April issue doesn’t just focus on lunch, though. “Ready, Set, Go… School Breakfast!” is packed full of unique ideas and menu options that will inspire readers in making plans for next year’s NSBW.
School nutrition professionals believe not only in the importance of serving students in their local areas, but also in lending a hand to others throughout the country who need it most. “Construction Zone” provides a look at the learning opportunities as well as community service work that took place during this year’s Child Nutrition Industry Conference (CNIC) in New Orleans.
School Nutrition - April 2009
April 13, 2009 -- The School Nutrition Foundation (SNF) in partnership with USDA will be offering a series of three FREE webinars on food allergy management in schools. Attendees are encouraged to participate in all three webinars as a sequential series. The content will be independent and attendees may opt to participate in some or all parts of the series. All webinars will be available as recorded archives after the live event. The dates and titles of each webinar are as follows.
Managing Food Allergies in Schools: Understanding the Fundamentals
Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2009 Time: 2:30 PM EDT/1:30 PM CDT/12:30 PM MDT/11:30 AM PDT Duration: 75 minutes (approximately)
The webinar will be moderated by Jeannie Sneed from USDA. Speakers include Melissa Rothstein and Mara McElmurray from USDA and District Director Cindy Hormel of Liberty School District in Kansas City, MO. The webinar will provide an overview of the 8 major food allergens and the legal responsibilities of school districts to accommodate students with food allergies. Speakers will discuss USDA’s guidance on food allergy management and a case study from Liberty School District.
For more information on this webinar, including where and how to register, please click here or visit www.schoolnutrition.org/foodallergy. SNA members may earn 1 continuing education unit (CEU) for participating in the webinar. Instructions on how to obtain your CEU can be found by clicking on the URL above.
Parts 2 of the series, Managing Food Allergies in Schools: Developing Policy, will be offered on Wednesday, May 27, 2009. Part 3, Managing Food Allergies in Schools: Implementing Policy, will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2009. Registration information will be posted by the end of April on www.schoolnutrition.org/foodallergy. SNA will also announce the registration via SNA electronic communications.
This webinar is the first series in SNF’s new “Webinar Wednesday” series and will be offered at no charge. Stay tuned to www.schoolnutrition.org/webinars for information on upcoming Wednesday Webinars throughout 2009.
April 10, 2009 -- The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has released a new report “The Impact of Ethanol Use on Food Prices and Greenhouse-Gas Emissions” that found the increased use of ethanol in gasoline resulted in higher food costs and consequently increased costs to the federal child nutrition programs.
According to the report released this week, the use of ethanol in gasoline has increased significantly over the past ten years. The CBO reports that currently, most ethanol in the United States is produced from domestically grown corn, and the rapid rise in the fuel’s production and usage means that roughly one-quarter of all corn grown in the United States is now used to produce ethanol. Since 2006, food prices have also risen more quickly than in earlier years, affecting federal spending for nutrition programs (such as the National School Lunch Program) and the household budgets of individual consumers. In fall 2008, 88% of SNA members surveyed for the Back to School Trend Survey reported that the NSLP reimbursement was not sufficient for their program to cover the costs of producing a school lunch, due primarily to food costs.
The report states:
The increased use of ethanol accounted for about 10 percent to 15 percent of the rise in food prices between April 2007 and April 2008, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates. In turn, that increase will boost federal spending for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly the Food Stamp program) and child nutrition programs by an estimated $600 million to $900 million in fiscal year 2009.
The report continues:
Changes in food prices affect spending for federal food assistance. The federal government administers several assistance programs that are operated at the local level by state agencies and other providers. The largest of those programs are SNAP and the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Programs (SBP.) Federal reimbursements and benefits for those programs are adjusted automatically each year according to the change in various food price indexes. The change in food prices from 2007 to 2008, the period covered by this analysis, determines the benefits for those programs for fiscal year 2009. As a result, the rise in food prices attributable to increased production of ethanol will lead to higher federal spending for those programs: specifically, an estimated $600 million to $900 million of the more than $5 billion increase in spending projected for fiscal year 2009 as a result of the rising price of food.
The CBO report appears to only factor in the cost to the US government that is paid in meal reimbursements for free, reduced and paid school meals. The report does not address additional food costs incurred by School Food Authorities that are not covered by federal meal reimbursements, which have increased as a result of the same factors outlined in the report, creating the need for adequate funding for the NSLP and SBP.
The Impact of Ethanol Use on Food Prices and Greenhouse-Gas Emissions Congressional Budget Office, April 2008
Report: Ethanol raises cost of nutrition programs Associated Press, April 9, 2009
Impact of Rising Food Prices on School Nutrition
April 9, 2009 -- On the evening of Tuesday, March 3, 2009, more than 600 guests attended the 6th annual A Possible Dream gala held at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. This spectacular event is held each year to honor champions of child nutrition and to raise awareness and funds for the Global Child Nutrition Foundation’s efforts to combat global child hunger through sustainable school feeding programs. As school nutrition professionals, anti-hunger activists and friends of child nutrition from the United States and abroad took their seats, Gene White, GCNF’s beloved President, recognized gala sponsors and state associations for helping to make the dream of ending childhood hunger a possibility with their generous contributions which totaled more than $200,000.
Edward Cooney, Executive Director of the Congressional Hunger Center, and Josette Sheeran, Executive Director of the World Food Programme, co-chaired the event. In her remarks, Josette Sheeran reiterated the compelling need for school feeding in developing countries. Cooney also served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Guests enjoyed his charisma as the evening unfolded.
Gene White and C.P. Dasa
Mr. Chanchalapathi Dasa from Bangalore, India, a 2008 Global Forum Delegate, was the 2009 GCNF Legislative Action Conference Policy Scholar funded by Winston Industries which enabled him to speak at the Gala. Dasa is the Vice Chairman of the Akshaya Patra Foundation. He captivated the audience as he explained how his foundation began feeding school children in June 2000 and now have grown into a large operation reaching 993,147 children in 16 locations across Indian six states. He extended his sincere gratitude for having attended the 2008 Global Forum and stated, “It will remain a landmark experience and learning in my life.”
Marshall Matz was presented the prestigious Gene White Lifetime Achievement Award for Child Nutrition. Matz, a well known leader, advocate and attorney, has spent the last 38 years pursuing a wide range of solutions to childhood hunger in the U.S. and abroad. Marshall Matz was quite touched by the support he received and graciously recognized that guests of the evening were all brought together because of a common cause—the desire to end childhood hunger. Matz made a heartfelt appeal to school foodservice operators, corporate friends, commodity groups, allied organizations, NGOs and government officials to work together to end child hunger. He reiterated GCNF’s unique role of working with developing countries to establish sustainable school feeding programs as opposed to providing food aid. Marshall Matz received a standing ovation at the conclusion of his acceptance speech leaving the audience filled with hope and conviction that their efforts are making a difference.
This year’s Gala featured an unprecedented number of political luminaries. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, former Senator Tom Daschle and Representative. Jo Ann Emerson (R-Mo.) each offered generous praise, congratulations and thanks for Matz’s long service in the fight against hunger.
Secretary Vilsack, Marshall Matz, and Senator Daschle
In addition to Marshall Matz, other champions of child nutrition were honored. Rhonda DeVaux, SNS, received SNA’s 2008 National Outstanding Director of the Year award for her dedication, service and achievements in the child nutrition profession. Camellia Patey’s, RD, SNS, received SNA’s 2008 Individual Industry Member of the Year award for her generosity of personal time and drive to ensure the success of child nutrition programs and education.
Guests were entertained by the astonishing dance ensemble of 6 young dancers from Capitol Movement, Inc. The children performed to a mix of music providing a variety of dance styles from hip hop and modern to ballet. GCNF would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the following individuals for their tireless efforts on the 2009 Gala Committee. The evening would not have been possible without their dedication and determination to make this event a success.
April 9, 2009 -- A total of 18.4 percent of 4 year-olds in the United States are considered obese, according to a new study out of the Ohio State University. Researchers evaluated height and weight data collected in 2005 on 8,550 children who were born in the United States in 2001. The data were collected as part of the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort, which is an ongoing study to provide information about learning environments, health and development of young U.S. children. Based on body mass index (BMI) measures, obesity prevalence was estimated at 31.2 percent among American Indian/Native Alaskan children, 22 percent for Hispanics, 20.8 percent in blacks, 15.9 percent of whites and 12.8 percent in Asians. This new nationally representative study just highlights an issue that school nutrition professionals know all too well – more and more children are coming to kindergarten already dealing with weight issues.
BMI measures for adults help to define overweight or obesity, but those numbers do not apply in growing children whose bodies are constantly changing. In this study of preschool children, BMI measures were converted into percentiles for age and sex based on growth charts developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2000. Any child who’s BMI score was at or above the 95th percentile on the growth charts was classified as obese. 18.4 percent of 4-year-olds classified as obese in this study, now fall into the category of what used to represent just the top 5 percent of BMI scores in 2000.
School nutrition programs began in 1946 to address the then nationwide issue of malnutrition. Over the years, school meals have adapted to address the nutrition epidemic of the 21st century – children who are overfed, but undernourished. Today’s school meals offer whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and low fat dairy. On a daily basis, school nutrition professionals meet the needs of today’s youth by providing balanced, healthy meals, serving age-appropriate portion sizes and instilling healthy eating behaviors which children will carry on with them through their lives. "The implications are that childhood obesity prevention efforts must begin early in life." said Sarah Anderson, assistant professor of epidemiology at Ohio State University and lead author of the study. School meals may not be the only solution in the battle to eliminate the childhood obesity epidemic, but clearly they offer a step in the right direction.
April 8, 2009 -- The School Nutrition Foundation (SNF) and Duke Manufacturing are pleased to announce that Lynn Rodgers-Kuperman of USDA Food and Nutrition Services will participate in the upcoming “Equipment Solutions: Plug in to Profitability” webinar. Ms. Rodgers-Kuperman will provide an overview on the status of the 2009 School Food Equipment Assistance Grant program and will take questions from webinar participants about the grant program.
Take advantage of this webinar to learn how making the right choice in school foodservice equipment can increase participation and improve profitability. Moderator Jim Klimt will discuss and share best practices for planning your next foodservice equipment purchase, whether you’re replacing old equipment, renovating your current facility, or outfitting a brand-new facility. SNA’s 3 member panelists will share their personal experiences and positive results achieved through the addition of new foodservice equipment.
Title: Equipment Solutions: Plug in to Profitability
Speakers: Jim KlimtVice President of Sales, Duke Manufacturing Role/Perspective: Moderator
Lynn Rodgers-Kuperman, MPAChief, Program Analysis and Monitoring Branch Food and Nutrition Services, Child Nutrition Division, USDA
Katie Wilson, Ph.D., SNS2008-2009 SNA President Director, Onalaska School District, WI Role: Panelist Jack KoserDirector, Lower Merion School District, PA Role: Panelist Mary Thomas, SNSChild Nutrition Program Director, Talladega School District, AL Role: Panelist
Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2009
For more information on this webinar, including where and how to register, please click here or visit www.schoolnutrition.org/equipment. SNA members may earn 1 continuing education unit (CEU) for participating in the webinar. Instructions on how to obtain your CEU can be found by clicking on the URL above.
This webinar is the fifth in SNF’s “Webinar Wednesday” series and will be offered at no charge. Stay tuned to www.schoolnutrition.org/webinars for information on upcoming Wednesday Webinars throughout 2009.
April 8, 2009 -- The 111th Congress kicked off in early January and is expected to address child nutrition reauthorization before the end of the federal fiscal year on September 30, 2009. So far, ten bills have been introduced that affect school nutrition issues, eight in the House and two in the Senate. Many more are expected in the next several months on topics ranging from posting nutrition information on school meals to universal school breakfast and increased funding for school meals.
Here is a run down of the legislation introduced to date:
S.581 Military Family Nutrition Protection Act of 2009 This bill introduced and co-sponsored in the Senate by Senators Bennet (D-Col.,) Collins (R-Maine,) Johanns (R-Neb.,) Casey (D-Penn.,) and Sanders (I-Vt.,) would amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to require the exclusion of combat pay from income for purposes of determining eligibility for school-based child nutrition programs and the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children.
S.456 Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act of 2009 Originally sponsored by Senator Dodd (D-Conn.) this bill was also introduced last Congress. The bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, to develop guidelines to be used on a voluntary basis to develop plans to manage the risk of food allergy and anaphylaxis in schools and early childhood education programs, and to establish school-based food allergy management grants. The bill currently has fourteen additional co-sponsors.
H.R.1869 The White House Conference on Food and Nutrition Co-sponsored by Representatives McGovern (D-Mass.) and Emerson (R-Mo.,) this bill requires the President to call a White House Conference on Food and Nutrition not later than December 31, 2010. The Conference would make fundamental policy recommendations on ways to end hunger and to improve nutrition in the United States and to implement the purposes described in the bill.
H.R.1585 Fitness Integrated with Teaching (FIT) Kids Act Representative Ron Kind (D-Wisc.) introduced this bill in mid-March and the legislation now has 42 co-sponsors. The bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to improve standards for physical education. Read more about the bill here.
H.R.1403 School Food Recovery Act Representative Wolf (R-Va.) and eight other members of Congress are co-sponsoring this bill that would amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to require schools participating in the school lunch program to donate any excess food to local food banks.
H.R.1378 Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act of 2009 Nineteen bi-partisan members of Congress are co-sponsoring this bill introduced by Representative Nita Lowey (D-NY) that is a companion bill to S. 456 and would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, to develop guidelines to be used on a voluntary basis to develop plans to manage the risk of food allergy and anaphylaxis in schools.
H.R.1324 Child Nutrition Promotion and School Lunch Protection Act of 2009 Representative Lynn Woolsey (D-Calif.) reintroduced this legislation in early March that would regulate the sale of foods sold outside of the federal school nutrition programs. Approximately 120 members of Congress are co-sponsoring H.R. 1324. The current bill is very similar to bills introduced in the 109th and 110th Congresses. The legislation would update the definition of Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value to correspond with current nutrition science. This bill would also expand the time and place rule, allowing the Secretary of Agriculture to have authority over competitive foods (foods and beverages sold on the school campus during the school day that compete with the nutritious offering of the National School Lunch Program.) Read about SNA's support for the bill and view an Action Alert.
H.R.540 Summer Food Service Rural Expansion Act Representative Platts (R-Penn.) introduced this bill to amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to make permanent the summer food service pilot project for rural areas of Pennsylvania originally authorized in the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004. The bill would also apply the change to rural areas of every State.
H.R.501 America's Right-to-Eat Rescue Act of 2009 Representative Joe Baca (D-Calif.,) Chairman of the Agriculture Committee's Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, reintroduced this legislation in January. The bill would address income eligibility for federal child nutrition programs by requiring that the poverty line determined for the State of Alaska be used for all the States and the District of Columbia, during a 6-month period for the purpose of carrying out the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 and the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act.
H.R.176 Anti-Hunger Empowerment Act of 2009 Representative Jose Serrano (D-NY) and fourteen Democrat cosponsors support this bill that primarily offers increased access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as the Food Stamp Program.) The bill also provides grant funding to promote participation in Summer Feeding and school-based child nutrition programs.
For an updated listing of all school nutrition related bills introduced in Congress, along with access to bill text and co-sponsorship information, please see the Issues and Legislation page of SNA's website.
April 7, 2009 - The School Nutrition Association and both current president Dr. Katie Wilson and current School Nutrition Foundation president Mary Hill were featured in a new episode of the Food Network Show Unwrapped that premeired on Monday, April 6th.
The show, entitled "Mini Munchies", featured footage and interviews from the SNA 2008 Annual National Conference held last July in Philadelphia. The segment on SNA focused on today's balanced school meals and showed the fruits, vegetables, whole grain and lowfat dairy foods that are an important part of nutritious school lunches.
This marks the second time SNA had appeared on Unwrapped. The new episode of Unwrapped featuring SNA will air again on April 16th at 11:30 PM ET/PT, April 17th at 2:30 AM ET/PT, and May 10th at 10:00 PM ET/PT.
Unwrapped - Food Network
April 3, 2009 -- The U.S. Senate followed the House of Representatives in passing by a straight party line vote the FY 2010 budget resolution on Thursday, April 2, 2009. The budget resolutions provide blueprints for how the federal budget should be spent for the upcoming 2010 fiscal year. Funding for the child nutrition reauthorization process is mentioned in both the House and Senate Budget resolutions.
A budget resolution is an internal congressional blueprint for future action in the coming fiscal year. It does not go to the president for signature and is not "law" per se. While there is never any ‘real’ money in a resolution, it does help frame the priorities of the Congress.
The House budget resolution includes a deficit-neutral reserve fund to support improved school breakfast and lunch programs and assumes increased funding in order to reauthorize, expand, and improve the child nutrition programs. The reserve fund provides for improvements to meal quality and access in the school lunch and school breakfast programs, which serve nutritious meals to over 31 million children every year. Section 204 of the Senate Resolution includes similar language.
Read a blog post on the federal budget process and school nutrition here.
April 2, 2009 -- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced this week USDA's intention to purchase turkey, pork, lamb, and walnut products for federal food nutrition assistance programs including the National School Lunch Program.
Speaking as part of his testimony before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture on March 31, 2009, the Secretary stated that USDA intends to purchase $60 million of turkey, $25 million of pork, $2 million of lamb, and $29.7 million of walnuts. As of the announcement to buy commodities, USDA has now begun to survey potential suppliers seeking the lowest overall cost by publicly inviting bids and awarding contracts to responsible bidders.
These purchases reflect a variety of high-quality food products each year to support the National School Lunch Programs, School Breakfast Program, and additional federal child nutrition programs. USDA also makes emergency food purchases for distribution to victims of natural disasters. According to USDA, government food experts work to ensure that all purchased food is healthy and nutritious. Food items are normally required to be low in fat, sugar and sodium. The commodities must meet specified grade requirements and be USDA-certified to ensure quality. USDA only purchases products that are grown in America.
During the hearing, Secretary Vilsack also testified on the importance of school nutrition programs:
The Department can and will play a key role in addressing the dual issues of childhood obesity and alleviating hunger by improving program access and enhancing the nutritional quality of school meals. We have an enormous opportunity to take strides toward fulfilling the President’s goal of eliminating childhood hunger and reducing obesity with the expiration of, and upcoming reauthorization of the Child Nutrition and WIC programs. As an indication of the Administration’s commitment to this important issue, the President’s budget proposes an additional $1 billion annually to improve the Child Nutrition Programs. I look forward to working with Congress on the Child Nutrition reauthorization bill to expand participation in these programs to ensure that children receive assistance when and where they need it; improve the quality and nutrition of meals served; expand nutrition research and promotion; and encourage greater consumption of healthy foods including fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and whole grains. Additionally, it is important to take steps to improve the nutritional quality of foods made available outside of the child nutrition programs through vending machines and the rest of the school environment.
Testimony of Secreatry Vilsack March 31, 2009
Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Support for Domestic Nutrition Programs, Ranchers and Farmers USDA press release
April 2, 2009 -- You know the saying, “The early bird catches the worm.” Well, at SNA we have another saying…”The early bird catches the discount!” In order to help you save on your ANC 2009 registration, SNA has extended the Early Bird deadline until April 30, 2009. So, this is the time to dust off that registration form and get it in to save some dollars—or better yet, you can register online today by logging on to www.schoolnutrition.org/anc.
ANC once again promises to be an exciting time of learning and growth. In addition to offering quality education sessions led by an outstanding line-up of school nutrition leaders, this year’s conference will feature a powerful mix of inspirational keynote speakers. Attend one of this year’s general sessions, and you will return home energized to begin a new chapter in your school nutrition history.
To register for this memorable meeting, please see the Related Links below. This dedicated ANC section of SchoolNutrition.org offers you the ease of being able to take care of both your conference registration and hotel reservation. But hurry— the Early Bird deadline will not be extended again and the cost of registration will go up on May 1st, so register now to take advantage of this offer!
ANC 2009
ANC Hotels
ANC Registration
April 2, 2009 -- Past SNA president Dr. Janey Thornton, PhD, SNS was named Deputy Under Secretary of the US Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service today. Dr. Thornton previously was Director of School Nutrition for Hardin County Schools in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. She began her new job April 1, 2009.
Dr. Thornton has her Bachelors of Science in Home Economic from Western Kentucky University and a Masters of Science in Vocational Education and School Administration from the University of Kentucky. She received her Doctorate in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Iowa State University in 2007, after completing her dissertation "Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of School Foodservice Programs."
Janey Thornton
She served as President of the 55,000 member School Nutrition Association during the 2006-2007 school year, and has also served as president of the School Nutrition Foundation and as an active member of the Global Child Nutrition Foundation. She has served in leadership roles for the Kentucky School Nutrition Association as well as serving as the Chairwoman of the SNA Public Policy and Legislative Committee.
In Hardin County, Kentucky, Dr. Thornton has served as school nutrition director for over 25 years during which time the district doubled in size to over 15,000 students. Hardin County Schools has approximately 47% of the student population on free and reduced lunches. As director of the school nutrition program for the school district, Dr. Thornton oversaw the building of a number of new school kitchens, in addition to remodeling all of the outdated ones. She has incorporated technology in the program using it for inventory management, production records and nutritional analysis. Under her watch Hardin County's school nutrition team has applied different strategies to ensure they continually improve serving and menu options. All deep-fat fryers were eliminated 14 years ago, throughout the district self-service is utilized in order to let children take as much fruit or vegetables they want. In 1992, the child nutrition department also established a central night bakery, providing fresh-baked bread to all schools by early morning. Dr. Thornton used locally grown produce in the district's child nutrition program when possible, primarily menuing local watermelons, tomatoes and apples. For an August 2007 article in School Nutrition magazine Dr. Thornton stated, "we consider our cafeteria an important learning lab at the school."
April 1, 2009 -- Yesterday's hearing of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry on foods and beverages sold outside of the federal school meal programs included testimony from the National PTA and the American Dietetic Association that was consistent with SNA's call for national nutrition standards for all food and beverages sold on school campuses during the entire school day.
On Tuesday, March 31, 2009, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry held a hearing entitled, "Beyond Federal School Meal Programs: Reforming Nutrition for Kids in Schools." Committee Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Ranking Member Chambliss (R-GA) were in attendance, along with Senators Casey (D-PA), Johanns (R-NE), Klobuchar (D-MN), and Lugar (R-IN). Witnesses included:
In order to establish consistent nutrition education messages in the school food environment and promote healthy eating habits both in school and outside of school, SNA calls on Congress to:
SNA supports legislation that would accomplish these goals including HR 1324, the Child Nutrition Promotion and School Lunch Protection Act of 2009 sponsored by Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-Calif.) and 115 co-sponsors. SNA looks forward to working with the Senate Agriculture Committee on this issue during the child nutrition reauthorization process.
Senator Harkin began the hearing by stating that child nutrition legislation is integral to health reform and that the entire school food environment needs modernizing, not just the breakfast and lunch portion. He stressed that vending machines, snack bars, and a la carte options are all far less nutritious than the school meals that are required to meet the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrition standards and meal pattern requirements. Ranking Member Chambliss submitted an official statement for the record, but he did mention that physical activity is an important aspect of children’s health. He said that it must be included in the overall goal of ensuring the health of school children. He also stressed the importance of engaging parents to work in conjunction with schools on nutrition issues.
Dr. Cooper stressed that a healthy diet improves test scores and increases attendance. He said by selling junk food and not allowing students enough time to eat, schools fail to create a nurturing atmosphere conducive with healthy children. He discussed the success of a school system that replaced soft drinks with water in all of the vending machines—the school began selling more water than they had soft drinks, thus generating more funds. He also suggested changing classroom rewards policies and strengthening national laws to include increased physical education.
Ms. Huehnergarth stressed that national standards are needed for all foods, including those sold outside of the lunch program. She stated that two-thirds of states have weak or no policies on nutrition standards and that only twelve states have comprehensive policies that apply to the whole campus for the entire school day and at all grade levels.
Mr. Garrett stated that numerous foods that are junk food are not currently considered to be so, thus allowing students to buy snack foods instead of healthy meals. He stressed that the burden should not be only on the local level, as numerous school districts are not equipped to set standards. He urged for a national uniform standard for all food sold in schools.
Mr. Felton stressed that child nutrition will not improve from additional federal mandates. He said that federal restrictions are not supported locally, saying that we could expect increased food purchases off campus, increased regulatory disagreements in schools over food purchases, and increased complaints and misunderstandings from parents over the banning of certain foods. He also stated that local school boards are concerned with financial restraints that come with federally mandated national standards.
Ms. Ehrens stated that the sale of low-nutrition "competitive" foods outside of school meals causes fewer kids to eat school lunches and that it is especially harmful for students who come from families with lower incomes. She said that some local wellness policies are strong, but that others miss the mark or are not used at all. She stressed that some school districts do not have the time or resources to market healthier foods to students.
Ms. Erickson Brown urged the Committee to 1) make nutrient-rich foods a central part of the school nutrition environment; 2) help increase consumption of nutritious low-fat and fat-free milk and milk products as part of the strategy to lower childhood obesity rates; 3) and establish consistent nutrition standards for all foods and beverages sold or provided in schools. She urged for the inclusion of milk, yogurt and various types of cheeses in nutrition standards and for increased funding for the USDA Special Milk Program for a la carte milk sales.
Mr. Izzo highlighted some of Mars’ achievements in regards to child nutrition, including the discontinuation of marketing to children under twelve years of age, the implementation of revised nutrition labeling, the elimination of trans fat, and the prohibition of sales in schools of products that do not meet the 35-10-35 standards set by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. He stressed that the process of implementing nutrition standards will be easier if school districts and manufacturers work together.
Ms. Neely highlighted some of the American Beverage Association’s (ABA) accomplishments working with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation in developing new School Beverage Guidelines. She mentioned that ABA’s companies have reformulated products, created new package designs and sizes, and retrofitted vending machines to accommodate the new package sizes—all at significant cost to the industry in both financial and human resources. Ms. Neely stated that since implementing the Guidelines, beverage calories shipped to schools have decreased 58 percent and nearly 80 percent of schools under contract with bottlers are in full compliance.
During the question and answer session a variety of topics were addressed including providing data to the community to increase stakeholder buy-in including showing statistics on unhealthy students, benefits of physical activity and healthy foods, and alternative options for increasing or maintaining revenues; restricting sales of junk food vs. an outright ban; having flexibility for different school districts within a national standard; balancing a federally mandated standard with state authority; differences in "guidelines" vs. "mandates"; lack of substance with wellness committee guidelines; possible barriers on lower income schools; school boards banning off-campus lunches as a means of enforcing standards; educating students on how to eat healthy and be physically active; concerns with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation's 35-10-35 standard for snack foods; the need to reduce sodium intake; inefficiency of voluntary standards in some schools; and global challenges to a national standard.
Senate Agriculture Committee Includes links to all witnesses complete testimony
SNA 2009 Legislative Issue Paper
National School Nutrition Standards Background
HR 1324 Child Nutrition Promotion and School Lunch Protection Act
April 1, 2009 -- The FDA and the California Department of Health are investigating salmonella contamination in pistachio products sold by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc. The company is voluntarily recalling 1 million pounds of its products and has stopped distribution of all processed pistachios. The pistachios were used as ingredients in many different products, so the recall with likely widen.
FDA first learned of the problem on March 24, when it was informed by Kraft Foods that its Back To Nature Trail Mix was found to be contaminated with Salmonella. Kraft had identified the source of the contamination to be pistachios from Setton and conducted a recall. It is not known if any of the products were sent to the school nutrition programs.
The contamination involves multiple strains of Salmonella. Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Thus far, several illnesses have been reported by consumers that may be associated with the pistachios. It is not yet known whether any of the Salmonella strains found in the pistachio products are linked to an outbreak. The FDA is conducting genetic testing of the samples to pursue all links.
FDA is working closely with the pistachio industry and recommends that consumers avoid eating pistachio products until further information is available about the scope of affected products. Some of the recalled products include Back to Nature Trail Mixes, various Planters nut mixes, and Frito-Lay salted pistachios.
For a complete list of products affected by the recall, please visit the link below.
FDA Pistachio Product Recall ListFDA Pistachio Product Recalls Main Page