While school nutrition programs have continued their exemplary food safety record; parents, consumers and school nutrition professionals must stay current on food safety practices in this era of heightened food safety concerns.

Cantaloupes, sprouts, pot pies, peanut butter, and breakfast cereals.  In the past few years these and other foods have been recalled due to contamination with Salmonella. What can you do?  The more you know, the better prepared you can be to keep the foods you eat safe.

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that causes diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.  Most people who become ill due to Salmonella infection recover without treatment in 4 to 7 days, although it can cause severe illness and, in rare cases, even death.  Young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems are most likely to get sick from Salmonella.

Salmonella bacteria can be found in food products such as raw poultry, eggs, and beef, and sometimes on unwashed fruits and vegetables. Food prepared on surfaces previously in contact with raw meat or meat products can become contaminated by cross-contamination.  Food can also be contaminated when handled by someone infected with Salmonella who does not wash their hands properly.  Additionally, Salmonella can be found in reptiles and caught by handling a pet reptile or having contact with its environment.

To protect yourself against Salmonella, it is important to follow the four core food safety steps:

• CLEAN hands and surfaces often.  Wash all fresh produce thoroughly before eating, even if the rind is not eaten, such as cantaloupes.
• SEPARATE raw meat, poultry, and eggs and their juices from ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination.  Clean cutting boards and knives after using them.
• COOK foods to the proper temperature.  Use a thermometer to measure food temperatures, because you can’t tell if food is cooked properly based solely on how it looks. 
• CHILL leftovers in the refrigerator promptly.  Use an appliance thermometer to ensure your refrigerator is 40° F or below.

For more information on the safe handling of foods, visit: www.fightBAC.org.  For more information on food safety, visit: www.fans.usda.gov/fns/food_safety.htm.  To ensure you are aware of recalls of food due to contamination with Salmonella and other health threats, sign up for email alerts at www.recalls.gov. 

SNA continuously strives to offer timely educational programming, therefore the ANC 2009 education program once again will feature a track of “Hot Topic” sessions. These “Hot Topics” are designed to address current priorities and emerging issues in school nutrition. SNA has convened experts to speak on these issues and has engaged SNA’s Public Policy and Legislation Committee in determining the issues and facilitating the question and answer period.

This year’s Hot Topic sessions will cover the following issues:
* Reauthorization 2009
* Indirect Costs
* Charge Polices
* Supply Chain Efficiencies
* Combating Obesity with Coordinated School Health Programs
* Farm-to-School

Log on to the dedicated ANC 2009 section of SchoolNutrition.org to learn more about Hot Topics sessions, as well as the other education programming and events that make ANC the school nutrition event of the year.

Related Links:

ANC 2009 Hot Topics

Register for ANC

Viva Las Vegas, Viva ANC! Blog

If you haven’t yet registered for ANC 2009, this is your opportunity to take advantage of the extended Regular Rate registration deadline. SNA will now accept Regular Rate registrations until June 1, 2009, a savings to you of $50. But hurry—after June 1st, all registrations received will be charged at the Onsite Rate.

In addition to vast learning and professional development opportunities, attendees return to ANC year after year in large part to enjoy many recurring events and features. Be sure to catch these ANC favorites again this year!

Chapter Leadership Day
The 4th annual Chapter Leadership Day is your opportunity to gather the fresh ideas that will help you lead your chapter through a successful year, as well as develop programs and services that will enhance your chapter and allow you to attract and retain members. All chapter leaders are encouraged to attend this event. Cost: $25 per person.

Hot Topics
What are the critical issues impacting school nutrition? How do these issues affect your operation? This year, SNA is bringing back the popular Hot Topics track, which will feature lively and interactive sessions that will bring you up to speed on the most current issues in school nutrition. For a sneak peek at these thought-provoking sessions, stay tuned to the ANC section of SchoolNutrition.org. 

Wellness Event to End World Hunger
Help stomp out global childhood hunger by participating in the Global Child Nutrition Foundation’s (GCNF) annual wellness event, this year featuring the popular Zumba® dance workout. With a hypnotic fusion of easy-to-follow Latin dance moves and cardio workout techniques, Zumba is sure to send your energy level through the roof by the end of this 45-minute session. So grab a friend, get front and center and help support a good cause! Sponsored by Schwan’s Food Service and GCNF.

Child Nutrition Showcase
Come look, learn and network at this year’s Child Nutrition Showcase! This is the place to learn about new research and best practices in school nutrition. More than 20 poster presentations will be displayed for two days, giving you plenty of time to check all of them out.

Culinary Demonstrations
Within the Exhibit Hall, you will come across one of the most popular features of ANC: the Culinary Demonstrations. Here you will discover tips on different culinary techniques, as well as nutrition hints and food preparation strategies that will help you enhance school meals and increase student participation.

If you still need a reason to make your way to Las Vegas for this year’s conference, log on to the dedicated ANC 2009 section of SchoolNutrition.org to learn more about the superior education programming and events that make ANC the school nutrition event of the year. We hope to see you this summer!

Related Links:

ANC 2009

Register for ANC

Viva Las Vegas, Viva ANC! Blog

 May 20, 2009 -- The School Nutrition Foundation Center at ANC 2009 will have something for everyone this year. Plan to stop by the Mandalay Bay Foyer on your way to the education and general sessions and check out the latest SNF programs in the Learning Lab, hear more about our scholarship programs and take a break to do some shopping at the Silent Auction. The Silent Auction will feature a daily raffle drawing on Monday & Tuesday for a month’s worth of free groceries as well as terrific items donated by the school nutrition community. The Silent Auction will run from Monday, June 29 until Thursday, June 2.

Visit the Silent Auction website and see the growing list of items. It’s never too late to make a contribution. Help support the Professional Growth Scholarship Fund with your contribution. For more information, visit: http://www.schoolnutrition.org/Content.aspx?id=8400 .

May 18, 2009 -- The National Dairy Council® and local Dairy Councils® have huddled up with the National Football League to help students eat right and stay active with Fuel Up to Play, a new school-based program that empowers kids to make smart choices about their nutrition and physical activity.

Fuel Up to Play: Help Shape a Healthier School Environment,a webinar offered by the School Nutrition Foundation in partnership with the National Dairy Council, took place on Wednesday, May 13. Over 250 participants from around the country participated in the live event. The recorded archive will be available soon at www.schoolnutrition.org/fuelupwebinar. CEUs are available for the live event as well as the recorded archive. Information on all available archived webinars and upcoming webinars is available at www.schoolnutrition.org/webinars.

The speakers focused on how they implemented the “Do Amazing Things” school wellness kits in their schools. The “Do Amazing Things” kits available during 2008-2009 are being offered for 2009-2010 as the “Fuel Up to Play” kits which will contain similar materials as well as additional resources. Keys for success include involving students and finding a champion in each school.

Sign Up for a Free Wellness Kit Today!
SNA members can now sign up for the Fuel Up to Play school wellness kits to use in their schools. The free kit includes colorful posters (featuring kids doing amazing things) and easy-to-implement activities. These were designed to inspire students to “fuel up” with the food groups kids don’t get enough of – low-fat and fat-free dairy foods, fruits, vegetables and whole grains and to “get up and play” for 60 minutes a day. Fuel Up to Play can be used to complement an existing school wellness program, or to help a school get started.

 Supplies are limited, but resources will also be available online. Customized kits based on local NFL teams will be available in limited quantities. To order a free kit (one per school) please sign up at www.SchoolWellnessKit.org.  

May 15, 2009 -- The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry held a field hearing today on Child Nutrition Reauthorization in Atlanta, Georgia, at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Roybal Campus. The hearing focused on the benefits of farm-to-school programs, healthy eating and physical activity. Witnesses included:        

Dr. David Satcher
Satcher Testimony
Director
Center of Excellence on Health Disparities, Poussaint-Satcher-Cosby Chair in Mental Health, Morehouse School of Medicine
Atlanta, GA

Dr. William H. Dietz
Dietz Testimony
Director
Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Atlanta, GA

Ms. Cindy Long
Long Testimony
Director
Child Nutrition Programs Division, Food and Nutrition Service, USDA
Alexandria, VA

Mr. Glyen Holmes
Holmes Testimony
New North Florida Cooperative Association, Inc.
Marianna, FL

The hearing focused on the value of locally grown produce and farm to school programs as well as other community and school based efforts to promote healthy eating in schools. With regard to child nutrition reauthorization, SNA supports the Child Nutrition Promotion and School Lunch Protection Act (HR 1324/S. 934) that would give the Department of Agriculture the authority to set national nutrition standards for all foods sold in schools throughout the school environment and the school day.

SNA also believes that access to healthy school meals must be improved. We must make sure that all low income children enjoy the benefits of the federal child nutrition programs.  We must eliminate the reduced price fee, expand the summer program, and expand the child care food program. It is estimated that over a million low income children are being kept out of the National School Lunch Program by the 40 cent reduced price fee, and even more children are being kept out of the breakfast program by the 30 cent reduced price fee.

SNA also calls on Congress, as part of the Child Nutrition Reauthorization process, to increase the federal reimbursement rates for school lunch and breakfast. It is exceedingly difficult to provide a meal that meets the goals of the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, given the current free meal reimbursement rate of $2.57.

Action Alert: Contact Congress

Senate Agriculture Committee

SNA 2009 Legislative Issue Paper

Farm to School Programs

Child Nutrition Reauthorization

May 14, 2009 – Today the Healthy Families and Communities Subcommittee of the House of Representative’s Committee on Education and Labor held a hearing to examine how improvements to child nutrition programs can help fight the nation’s childhood obesity crisis. The Subcommittee is chaired by U.S. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) with Ranking Member Todd Platts (R-PA.)

Child nutrition experts across the board agree that childhood obesity poses a threat to the nation’s physical and financial health. Today, one-third of U.S. children and adolescents, about 25 million, are obese or overweight. Child nutrition programs provide children with access to low-cost, nutritious food to support healthy growth and development.

Testifying at the hearing:

• U.S. Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-CA)
• U.S. Rep. Mike Castle (R-DE)
• Michele Paterson First Lady of New York New York City & Albany, NY
• Susan P. Byrnes, Susan P. Byrnes Health Education Center York, PA
• Nancy Copperman, Public Health Initiatives Office of Community Health North Shore Long Island Jewish Health System Great Neck, NY
• Reginald Felton, National School Boards Association Alexandria, VA
• Dr. Virginia A. Stallings, MD Chair Institutes of Medicine (IOM) Committee on Nutrition Standards for National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs
• Lorrene Davis Ritchie, PhD, RD Director of Research Atkins Center for Weight and Health Berkeley, CA

The School Nutrition Association commends Chairwoman McCarthy on holding the hearing to highlight the successes and potential of school based nutrition programs to promote healthy eating habits among children.

SNA supports the Child Nutrition Promotion and School Lunch Protection Act (HR 1324/S. 934) that would give the Department of Agriculture the authority to set national nutrition standards for all foods sold in schools throughout the school environment and the school day.

SNA also believes that access to healthy school meals must be improved. We must make sure that all low income children enjoy the benefits of the federal child nutrition programs.  We must eliminate the reduced price fee, expand the summer program, and expand the child care food program. It is estimated that over a million low income children are being kept out of the National School Lunch Program by the 40 cent reduced price fee, and even more children are being kept out of the breakfast program by the 30 cent reduced price fee.

SNA also calls on Congress, as part of the Child Nutrition Reauthorization process, to increase the federal reimbursement rates for school lunch and breakfast. It is exceedingly difficult to provide a meal that meets the goals of the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, given the current free meal reimbursement rate of $2.57. 

A complete summary of the hearing follows:

Chairwoman McCarthy discussed the rising obesity rates and several studies examining possible causes. She stated that there is no “silver bullet” to reverse these negative developments, but that the schools present an excellent opportunity to combat obesity. Due to the fact that school lunch and breakfast often provide over 50 percent of a child’s nutrition for that day, Chairwoman McCarthy asserted that changes in those programs can provide great benefit. She declared that there are many factors to consider during the child nutrition reauthorization, but the basics are healthy eating and physical activity. Chairwoman McCarthy also mentioned the importance of the WIC program, as it targets children at the earliest ages. Ranking Member Platts declared that he would submit a statement for the record.

Panel I

Representative Woolsey stated that bold steps need to be taken to reverse the disturbing trend toward higher rates of childhood obesity and subsequent health problems. She discussed the “Child Nutrition Promotion and School Lunch Protection Act of 2009,” HR 1324, a bill she introduced to update nutrition standards for foods and beverages sold outside of school meals. She declared that her bill would address the issues brought about by the current system of unhealthy, inconsistent, and out of date standards, but would still allow sates to set their own stricter standards. Representative Woolsey closed by referring to a USDA/CDC study on revenue streams from vending machines in schools, asserting that those schools that switched to healthier items in their vending machines saw a rise in revenue.

Representative Castle discussed current obesity statistics, highlighting the social, physical, and mental health implications that childhood obesity has on students. He stated that the situation must be addressed with comprehensive solutions, which would include nutrition education, physical activity, and combating food insecurity. Representative Castle mentioned the school wellness policies instituted in the last reauthorization and recommended that possible solutions to the current crisis include providing healthier options while ensuring that they are consumed by students, limiting portion sizes, reducing the use of food as rewards, increasing physical activity, and enhancing community support.

Panel II

Ms. Paterson informed the Subcommittee of her efforts as First Lady of New York in combating obesity and increasing physical activity. She discussed the Healthier Steps to Albany program, which encourages kids to walk a certain amount of steps. Ms. Paterson recommended that during child nutrition reauthorization Congress should strengthen federal nutrition standards and examine funding levels, as she believes competitive foods are often sold to make up for shortfalls in federal funding to school meal programs.

Dr. Stallings discussed the upcoming Phase II of the IOM project, expected to be completed this fall. This phase will provide recommendations for revision of the nutrition standards and Menu Requirements for the School Breakfast Program and the National School Lunch Program. She stated that the recommendations are being formed with four criteria: 1) standards and requirements will be consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs); 2) standards and requirements will be considered on the basis of age and grade groups that are consistent with the current age-gender categories used in schools; 3) standards and requirements will support development of nutritious menus that are practical and appeal to students; and 4) standards and requirements will be sensitive to cost. Dr. Stallings also mentioned the needs for detailed guidelines to assist schools in the requirement that they be consistent with the DGAs.

Ms. Copperman declared to the Subcommittee the importance of implementing and monitoring physical activity goals of the local wellness policy requirements written into law during the 2004 reauthorization. She asserted that currently many schools are not meeting that requirement due to an increased focus on education standards and testing, lack of physical education staff, and lack of facilities. Ms. Copperman offered a solution through her Activity Works Program, which focuses on increasing children’s daily physical activity through integrating the physical activity with school subjects in the classroom. She stated that the program is successful because it is school-based, sustainable, measurable, and because of the integrated approach.

Mr. Felton discussed the many activities the National School Board Association has undertaken in support of nutrition education and physical education, often in conjunction with other organizations. He expressed appreciation for government grants and incentives for those activities and recommended that those be expanded in the child nutrition reauthorization. Mr. Felton urged the Subcommittee not to write broad mandates and restrictions on school activities outside the federal subsidized programs, as that could lead to numerous negative unintended consequences and disruption of funding streams.

Ms. Byrnes gave the Subcommittee the background of the Susan P. Byrnes Health Education Center, describing its vision as “To be the leading resource of innovative, high quality, effective health education” and its mission as “To educate and inspire people of all ages to make healthy choices.” She discussed her past as a nurse, in which she witnessed “physical and emotional suffering of patients and their families due to unhealthy lifestyle choices,” which inspired her to start the center. In closing, she declared that billions should be spent on prevention, as opposed to the $2.9 trillion that was spent on disease treatment last year.

Dr. Ritchie focused her comments on WIC reauthorization. She characterized WIC as a prevention program, as it targets very young children. To further enhance the prevention aspects, she recommended more time be devoted to nutrition education. Dr. Ritchie suggested that the following be addressed in the WIC program during reauthorization: annual certification for children, increased funding targeting breastfeeding promotion, coordination of nutrition messaging throughout federal programs, and enhanced support of WIC evaluations and outcomes research.

The following topics were discussed during the question and answer period:

• Targeting age groups for most effective use of resources maximized benefit to students;
• Need for increased data collection on innovative physical activity programs;
• Current status of IOM recommendations – active deliberation;
• DGA nutrient intake guidelines – how much is consumed versus how much is needed by different age groups;
• Excessive consumption of nutrients such as sodium and calories from saturated fat;
• Enhancement of breastfeeding and increased participation in the WIC breastfeeding peer counseling program;
• Scientific evidence that breastfeeding reduces future likelihood of obesity;
• Replication of the Healthy Steps to Albany Program in other states;
• Screening and Body Mass Index testing in schools;
• Need to address all aspects: exercise, eating right, and education, but addressing the eating right first because it is very easy to over eat and very difficult to exercise enough to combat over eating;
• Coordination and monitoring of federal nutrition program goals;
• Locally produced agriculture;
• DoD Fresh Program;
• Nutritional equivalence of frozen and canned fruits and vegetables;
• Economic advantages of frozen and canned fruits and vegetables;
• Opposition to a one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition standards;
• Challenges to the implementation of local wellness policies;
• Whether or not schools will institute effective standards without federal standards;
• Healthier choices in vending machines and effect on revenue;
• Reach of nutrition standards;
• Need for integration of policy and education;
• Nutritional needs of special needs children;
• Energy drinks and classification of caffeine as a drug; and
• Advertising to children.

Related Links:

Action Alert: Contact Congress

House Committee on Education and Labor

SNA 2009 Legislative Issue Paper

Child Nutrition Reauthorization

May 14, 2009 – School Nutrition, the flagship publication of the School Nutrition Association, has been honored by the Society of National Association Publications (SNAP), as a double winner in the 29th annual EXCEL Awards, which recognize the best and brightest in association publishing.

The June/July 2008 issue of School Nutrition was singled out as a Silver Award winner in the Magazines: Silver Topic Issue category. This issue, “Good Sports: Active Kids Are Healthy Kids,” featured five articles dedicated to the importance of physical activity in the health and well-being of children. Articles reviewed the state of physical education and recess as part of the school day; showcased today’s “mad hot sports” trends; investigated the possible demise of school-based teams in the wake of the rise of independent sports organizations; encouraged families to commit to fitness together; and examined options for non-active kids, such as those with disabilities. The articles were designed to help school nutrition professionals understand their customers and inspire them to work with partners inside and outside of the school to develop lifelong healthy habits in America’s children.

In addition, the article “Fields of Dreams” (September 2008) earned a Bronze Award in the Magazines: Feature Article category. The “Food Focus” article, which demonstrates how farm-to-school projects are green and growing across the United States, was written by School Nutrition Editor Patricia Fitzgerald.

EXCEL award winners “demonstrate the importance of conveying content in a variety of formats to our constituents. Bravo to the publication and media association professionals for their mastery of the field,” said Amy Lestition, CAE, SNAP executive director.

School Nutrition is published monthly and offers solutions and strategies to school nutrition professionals working in the K-12 foodservice segment. Current and past issues, subscription, contribution and advertising information can be accessed online; see “Related Links.”

Related Links 

School Nutrition

Field of Dreams article 

May 13, 2009 -- The School Nutrition Foundation (SNF) and USDA kicked off the “Managing Food Allergies in Schools” webinar series on Wednesday, April 29. Over 700 attendees participated in the live event. Following the webinar, additional resources have been added to the food allergy webinar page at www.schoolnutriton.org/foodallergy. Resources include a link to SNA’s allergy and special needs resource page and a link to Liberty School District’s allergy policy.

USDA and SNF will continue to address the questions from attendees via an FAQ document and in subsequent webinars in this series.

Register for Parts 2 and 3

Registration for Parts 2 and 3 are also available at www.schoolnutrition.org/foodallergy. Attendees can also download the presentation slides, access CEU forms and instructions, and view the archived recording of all three parts of this series at www.schoolnutrition.org/foodallergy.

Part 2, scheduled for May 27, will address development of food allergy management policies. Expert speakers will represent the National School Board Association, the National Coalition for Food Safe Schools, the Massachusetts Department of Education, and Elmbrook School District in Wisconsin.

Part 3, covering implementation of food allergy management policies, will take place on June 3. Experts panelists will represent the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, Maryland Association of School Nurses, and Charlotte-Mecklenberg Public Schools.

“Solving the Food Allergy Puzzle”
Workshop Scheduled at ANC!

SNF and USDA are partnering to offer an 8-hour work shop on managing food allergies in schools on Sunday, June 28, 2009 in Las Vegas, NV. this workshop will be part of the pre-conference offerings for the School Nutrition Association’s Annual National Conference 2009. This interactive workshop will feature national, state, and local guidance and best practices. Attendees will leave with a greater understanding of the legal and regulatory responsibilities surrounding food allergy management in schools and action steps to address their school district’s efforts. The workshop is intended for school nutrition operators and others in the school nutrition field.

Complete information on the pre-conference workshop is available at: http://docs.schoolnutrition.org/meetingsandevents/anc2009/educationsession_precon.asp.

Register for the conference and the workshop at www.schoolnutrition.org/anc2009.

May 12, 2009 -- U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Richard Lugar (R-Ind.) introduced legislation late last week to provide more children with healthy meals when the school day ends. The Stabenow-Lugar AFTERschool Meal Act (S. 990) would make important changes to increase participation in the nationwide school meal program, allowing children from all states to benefit from this exceptional initiative. Afterschool programs take on an additional importance as parents increasingly work longer, non-traditional hours, and more and more children require afterschool care. U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) and Carl Levin (D-Mich.) also co-sponsored the legislation.

In a press release, Senator Stabenow stated that “hunger does not end when the school bell rings for the day, especially during these tough economic times. That’s why we must ensure that our most vulnerable children, whether in elementary school, middle school, or high school, receive a healthy meal. This legislation will help expand the nationwide school meal program and enroll more children, while providing the necessary funding to afterschool programs to help cover the additional cost. Americans from all walks of life can agree on the importance of making sure that children affected by the loss of a parent’s paycheck still have access to nutritious meals, meals which serve as a necessary foundation for academic achievement and personal well-being.”

“Nationwide expansion of the AFTERschool Meal Act will boost the nutritional safety net for children enrolled in after school settings,” Lugar said. “I have witnessed the success of streamlining administrative barriers in the Summer Food Service Program. As states, and eventually the country, adopted the simpler, easier guidelines, sponsorship increased and more children received nutritious meals year-round.”

Under current law, afterschool programs can serve a full meal to children 12-years-old and younger and receive financial reimbursement or USDA commodities through the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). But in ten states—Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and West Virginia — afterschool programs are authorized to provide suppers to more children (18 and under) and with less paperwork and less red tape.

The Stabenow-Lugar bill would allow all states to be eligible to participate in the full afterschool meal program. Schools would be eligible to receive reimbursement either through CACFP or through the Russell School Lunch/Breakfast Program, removing an unnecessary administrative burden. Grants would also be authorized to help states with start-up costs.

S. 990

May 26, 2009 -- SNA member Cecelia Moody,  Food Service Manager of Madison Park Middle School in Phoenix, AZ is the 2008 winner of the “Spotlight On” contest held by the Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP), creators of the National Milk Mustache “got milk?®” Campaign.  In recognition of her success at increasing school milk consumption, Moody will be featured in an advertisement in the upcoming June/July issue of School Nutrition magazine. 

Cecelia’s school-wide efforts are what tipped the scales in her favor among the “Spotlight On” contestants in 2008.  She implemented several initiatives to encourage students to choose milk over less healthy alternatives and educate them about the nutrient rich profile of milk.  One of the most successful is the “Think About Your Drink” class, which she started about three years ago, with the help of her county’s health department.   In the class, she uses handouts and other examples to help teach children about the difference in sugars between soda, juice and milk.  As a result, the students are paying more attention to their beverage choices, and a lot of the students are now buying milk with their meals instead of bringing sodas from home. 

In addition, Cecelia launched the school’s first health fair in March, 2008.  It was such a success that it’s become an annual event, and the school held its second one last month.  They had a variety of informational booths set up, along with games and prizes, to help educate kids and parents about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. As a result of these school-wide initiatives, milk consumption has increased about 13 percent since the programs were started. The entire staff has rallied behind Cecilia’s efforts.  Now, during classroom parties, students enjoy milk smoothies.  The “Spotlight On” program provides an excellent opportunity for school nutrition professionals to promote their success stories. Each month, one winner is selected in the school category from entries received online at www.milkdelivers.org. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the recipients of $300,000 in Administrative Review and Training (ART) Grants. The grants were awarded to eight state agencies: California, Idaho, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Oregon, Washington State, and Wisconsin.

During a two year grant period, these state agencies will conduct administrative reviews of school food authorities that have or are likely to experience high levels of risk or error in program applications. In conducting these reviews, the states will examine application, certification, verification, meal counting, and meal claiming procedures.

All eight states that applied were funded at varying amounts:

For additional information on the Administrative Review and Training Grants, please visit the link below.

Administrative Review and Training Grants

May 11, 2009 -- As part of National School Breakfast Week 2009 and the Power Up with School Breakfast Campaign, SNA challenged students nationwide to design and name their very own School Breakfast Superhero.

SNA is now proud to announce the national winners of the Power Up – Design a Breakfast Superhero contest. The three new recruits joining the team of School Breakfast Superheroes are:

• Agent Apple – Daniel, Grade 1, South Windsor, Connecticut
• Cer-real (pronounced Surreal) – Michelle, Grade 8, Bolingbrook, Illinois
• Nutrition Nate – Tiana, Grade 11, Janesville, Wisconsin

All three students were very excited to learn they had won the design contest and have their superhero professionally recreated by a former DC Comics illustrator.

Thank You
SNA received over 800 cool and creative entries to the national portion of the design a superhero contest and would like to thank everybody for taking part. We hope you all enjoyed National School Breakfast Week 2009 and had fun Powering Up with School Breakfast!

Get ready for NSBW 2010
Next year's theme is School Breakfast – Ready, Set, Go! and all the fun and useful tools and resources will be available soon at www.schoolnutrition.org/nsbw. Start planning early and get “ready set go” for 2010!

May 8, 2009 -- This week, schools across the country celebrated the men and women who provide America’s children with healthy, well balanced, nutritious meals every day. Child Nutrition Employee Appreciation Week (CNEAW) is a special week observed at the beginning of May to remind everyone that school nutrition employees work hard year round.

In honor of these dedicated individuals, SNA has a virtual wall where anyone can post messages recognizing the special school nutrition professionals in their lives.  Below are some of the messages:

• Rita Danforth of Hoover City Schools, Hoover, Ala. - She is very dedicated... always here. Rita takes pride in everything she does! She loves our students and they love her!  Recognized by Bridget Thomas
• David Johnson of the Arkansas School for the Blind, Ark. - David, better known as Big Daddy, the only male in the kitchen for at least the last eight (8) years. For that along he is to be commended for the patience, courtesy, and dedication that he brings to the department. He is always willing to help. Recognized by Barbara Cole.
• Wendy Failing of Caeser Rodney Schools, Camden, Del. - Wendy is patient, considerate, and willing to help any child nutrition employee become better. As a supervisor, she has a lot of demands, but never fails to take time to help any of us solve our problems or help create more interest in our program. Recognized by Dee Pieshala.
• The Staff of Ogelthorpe County Elementary School, Ga. - The ladies at Oglethorpe Elementary are a great group. Katheryn, Mellisa, Rose, Peggy, Kim, & Angie do a fantastic job. I'm so proud to see how much they care about the meals they serve the students. Way to go ladies!!!! Recognized by Irene Pugh.
• Pam Moncrief of Warren County Schools, Ky. - I appreciate Pam because she always goes the extra mile for the students & myself as a manager. She's our head cashier & helps out in all areas as well. She works well with all staff & parents. She is appreciated by everyone in our school. Recognized by Charlotte Oller.
• Julie Birschbach of Chilton Public Schools, Wis. - What can I say? Julie does it all. I have yet to hear her refuse anything asked of her. She is a nutrition "PROFESSIONAL" who makes a difference in the production kitchen she runs, and the everyday lives of our students. You go girl!  Recognized by Diane Chapeta.

These are only a few of the many acknowledgements posted on the CNEAW appreciation wall.  To view more, please click on the links below.

Related Links

Child Nutrition Employee Appreciation Week

Child Nutrition Employee Appreciation Week Wall

May 8, 2009—According to John M. Richardson, Jr., “When it comes to the future, there are three kinds of people: those who let it happen, those who make it happen and those who wonder what happened.” The May 2009 issue of School Nutrition, SNA’s flagship publication, introduces you to some of SNA’s leaders to watch who are dedicating their time and ideas to making the future of child nutrition happen. Learn about these leaders’ experiences in the child nutrition field and become inspired by their ideas and passion.

In “Meet The Future,” participants in School Nutrition’s fifth annual Roundtable of Leaders, who represent the next generation of child nutrition operators, share their reflections on how they got started in the field, as well as their joys and frustrations and the importance of strong mentors. This year’s participants included the following school nutrition directors from districts all over the country: Stephanie Bruce of Ontario/Montclair (Calif.) School District; Brittany Granados of Davidson County (N.C.) Public Schools; Kymm Mutch of Milwaukee Public Schools; Jeffrey Proulx of Washington County (Md.) Public Schools; Kelly Renard, SNS, of Carlisle (Pa.) Area School District; Andrew Soliz, SNS, of West Fresno (Calif.) Elementary School District; Kristin Soulsby, SNS, of Madison (Ariz.) Elementary School District; Jennifer Spellman of Great Falls (Mont.) Public Schools; Stephanie Taylor of Ware County (Ga.) School District; and Julie Tuttle, SNS, of Montgomery County (Ky.) School District.

“To Catch a Thief” takes a look at the troubling trend of cafeteria crime. Some of the information presented may be surprising, but according to the article, there are measures operators can take to reduce this frustrating occurrence.

“Sweet Thing” addresses the ubiquitous high fructose corn syrup, often considered an offender in America’s obesity problem. But when we look behind the science, is it deserving of such scorn?

The theme of looking toward the future captured in the comments by School Nutrition’s Roundtable of Leaders also makes an appearance in “Do You Feel History in the Air?” View the photos and descriptions of all of the LAC events, and learn about the change in the air in the nation’s capital. 

Related Links

School Nutrition - May 2009

May 7, 2009 - Each summer, 18 million students are at risk of going hungry when the school year ends and school lunches are no longer available.  For many children, school meals are the only complete and nutritious meals they eat, and in the summer they go without.  This summer, the need will likely increase. 

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) can help to fill the summer meal gap for low-income children. Faith-based, community and private non-profit organizations can make a difference in the lives of hungry children by serving meals with SFSP, a federally funded program administered by states that reimburses organizations for meals served to children during the summer.

Schools, churches, recreation centers, playgrounds, parks, and camps can serve meals in neighborhoods with high percentages of low-income families. These venues are safe and familiar locations where children naturally congregate during the summer.  There are two ways to get involved with the SFSP. Your school nutrition program may become a SFSP site where meals are served, or a SFSP sponsor that both serves meals and keeps track of the accounting and paperwork. Sponsors are reimbursed for all meals served that meet USDA’s nutrition standards.  

The number of children participating in the SFSP is only a fraction of the students that participate in school meal programs. Please consider partnering with us to feed more children this summer.

Please click here to view a USDA webinar presentation about participating in SFSP: http://www.fns.usda.gov/fns/outreach/sfsp_webinar.wmv

Additional information, resources about hosting a site and providing reimbursable meals, as well as SFSP contacts by state are available here.

May 7, 2009 -- On Thursday, May 7, 2009, the Obama Administration proposed a $3.4 trillion budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2010.  While the proposal includes increases for many domestic programs, including the Child Nutrition Programs, it does include $17 billion worth of cuts for 121 programs.

The proposed budget requests $1 billion per year for 2009 Child Nutrition Reauthorization, indicating the President’s commitment to ending childhood hunger by 2015.  According the White House, this annual increase is for program reforms aimed at “improving access, enhancing the nutritional quality of school meals, expanding nutrition research and evaluation, and improving program oversight.”  These funds are subjected to PAYGO rules, which mean that in order to allocate them, Congress must find cuts in other programs.

SNA, along with the Child Nutrition Forum and the National Alliance for Nutrition and Activity, are actively advocating for a substantial increase in child nutrition funding as part of the Child Nutrition Reauthorization process in order to increase access to healthful school meals.   

Mandatory Programs and Financing (in millions of dollars)  

 Discretionary Activities (in millions of dollars)

As outlined in the President’s February budget message, much of the overall funding in the FY 2010 budget goes towards several select programs.  An additional $750 billion would be sent to banks to aid in the financial rescue efforts. $130 billion would be spent on the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, while approximately $634 billion will be put in a “reserve fund” to address changes in the health care system.  President Obama’s budget would also roll back the tax reductions for families with incomes exceeding $250,000 a year put in place by former President George W. Bush.  The proposed budget would also cut farm subsidies.  To make revenue, the budget includes a provision that would create a greenhouse gas trading system.

May 6, 2009 -- Overall participation in both the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program has increased in a majority of districts for the 2008-2009, according to SNA’s Report, Saved by the Lunch Bell: As Economy Sinks, School Nutrition Program Participation Rises ,December 2008. This increase is a result of more children qualifying for free and reduced lunches and breakfasts, due to the economic downturn.

During these economically troubled times, it is more important than ever to help school nutrition professionals plan, budget and face today’s challenges. At ANC in Las Vegas, a special financial track was designed for SNA members to gain knowledge and concrete ideas to help boost the bottom line. Highlights include:

-         Make your program solvent through P&L tracking

-         Idiot’s Guide to Financial Survival

-         Data-Based Decision Making

ANC offers the highest-quality education sessions, training and the ability to learn from peers who experience the day to day demands all programs encounter. Make the most of this year’s conference by creating a schedule of education sessions unique to your needs and interests. Watch now to learn why SNA President-Elect Dora Rivas, SNA Vice President Nancy Rice and SNA Past President Shirley Watkins believe attending ANC is more important than ever.

Related Links

ANC - More Important Than Ever (ANC Blog)

ANC Vegas 

Saved by the Lunch Bell: As Economy Sinks, School Nutrition
Program Participation

May 6, 2009 – SNA members Leo Lesh from Denver Public Schools, Jennifer LeBarre from Oakland Unified School District and Louise Esaian from Chicago Public Schools, joined Eric Goldstein of New York Public Schools and White House Assistant Chef Sam Kass at a Healthy Schools Campaign event yesterday in Washington, DC, to highlight the need for adequate funding for school nutrition programs.

SNA president-elect Dora Rivas was also on hand at Martha’s Kitchen in DC for the Cinco de Mayo school lunch that was also served to Congress in the Longworth House Office Building cafeteria today. The lunch was crafted by six culinary students from Richards Career Academy in Chicago who were at the event discussing the meal with Mr. Kass.  The lunch, which won first place in the Healthy Schools Campaign's Cooking up Change healthy cooking contest last year, included a 'Carrotquedilla,' Chorizo Relleno and Refrescante.

The event brought additional attention to the need for increased funding though the Child Nutrition Reauthorization process occurring in Congress this year. SNA has been advocating for increased meal reimbursements as well as funding to address better access to healthy school meals for all students. Key Reauthorization priorities include:

• Increasing the per meal reimbursement by 35 cents for all meals in order to keep pace with rising costs and implementing the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
• Expanding the “free” meal category from 130% of poverty to 185%, consistent with the WIC income eligibility guidelines (eliminating the reduced price meal category).
• Granting the Secretary of Agriculture the statutory authority to regulate the sale of all foods and beverages on the school campus, consistent with the most recent edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (ending the “time and place rule”).

Related Links

On Today's Menu: Healthful School Lunch The Washington Post, May 5, 2009

Carrot quesadilla wins school lunch contest CNN Wire blog, May 6, 2009

SNA Legislative Issue Paper

May 1, 2009 -- This year Cinco de Mayo means school lunch being served to Congress. On May 5, 2009, several SNA members will be in Washington, DC, to brief USDA officials on the need for increased funding as part of Child Nutrition Reauthorization.

A school lunch designed by high school students in Chicago will be served in the Capitol Hill cafeteria and at a nearby briefing on child nutrition reauthorization, where the students will prepare the meal with personal chef to the Obama's, Sam Kass. The meal, which won first place in the Healthy Schools Campaign's Cooking up Change healthy cooking contest, will also be served to more than 40,000 students in cities across the U.S.

While the need for fresh, healthy school food is simple, the system that provides resources for school meals is filled with a range of complicating factors. Four senior leaders in school food, representing Chicago, Denver, New York and Oakland, will speak about the complex problems they face in trying to provide healthy meals on tight budgets. They will also discuss the potential impact of additional funding on school food and the health of the students they serve. The event will be held beginning at 11 AM at Martha's Table in Washignton, DC. Speakers include:

• Louise Esaian, Logistics Officer, Chicago Public Schools
• Jennifer LeBarre, Director of Nutrition Services, Oakland Unified School District
• Leo J. Lesh, Executive Director, Enterprise Management, Denver Public Schools
• Eric Goldstein, CEO of School Support Services, New York Public Schools

The winning school lunch menu includes a 'Carrotquedilla,' Chorizo Relleno and Refrescante. The event will be moderated by Rochelle Davis, Founding Director of the Healthy Schools Campaign, an independent not-for-profit organization based in Chicago and sponsor of the event.

Related Links

Healthy Schools Campaign May 5th Event

SNA Legislative Issue Paper for Reauthorization