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SNA Comments on Competitive Food Rule Release

2013-06-27

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD (June 27, 2013) – The US Department of Agriculture has released an interim final rule to establish nutrition standards for “competitive” foods and beverages sold in school a la carte lines, vending machines and snack bars during the school day.

School Nutrition Association (SNA), representing 55,000 school nutrition professionals working in school cafeterias nationwide, is reviewing the details of the interim rule to assess the impact of these new regulations on school meal programs.

“School meal programs are already in the midst of a sea of change as cafeterias work to meet new school breakfast and lunch standards and encourage students to try the healthier choices offered,” said Sandra Ford, SNS, SNA President.  

“Complex regulations can present unique challenges and unintended consequences when put into practice,” said Ford.  For example, the final nutrition standards for school meals contained weekly limits on the amount of grains and proteins served with school meals.  Many schools were forced to eliminate daily sandwich choices from their menus because offering two slices of whole grain bread a day could exceed weekly limits on grains.  USDA issued a temporary reprieve from the grain and protein limits, and SNA is supporting legislation to permanently eliminate these limits.  

“SNA will work with USDA and Congress throughout implementation to ensure the competitive food regulations do not present undue burdens on school menu planners and students,” said Ford.

About School Nutrition Association: 

The School Nutrition Association (SNA) is a national, non-profit professional organization representing 55,000 school nutrition professionals across the country. Founded in 1946, SNA and its members are dedicated to making healthy school meals and nutrition education available to all students. To find out more about today’s school meals, visit www.TrayTalk.org.

 

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