(October 14, 2011)  As early as Monday, October 17, the US Senate is expected to debate the Fiscal Year 2012 Agriculture Appropriations Bill.  School Nutrition Association anticipates that an amendment will be offered related to USDA’s proposed meal pattern.  However, given that the amendment has not yet been released, we do not know precisely what the amendment may do.

Some organizations are already calling on individuals to sign petitions or send letters regarding Senate efforts.  SNA urges all members to wait until the amendment is released before taking action. 

SNA stands behind the 11 page comments our Association submitted in response to the proposed rule.  USDA is taking all comments under consideration as they work toward a final meal pattern update.  SNA strongly supports this process and full completion of the regulatory process so that federal nutrition standards will be in line with the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans.