USDA Update School Nutrition Association Legislative Action Conference

USDA Update School Nutrition Association Legislative Action Conference Cindy Long Child Nutrition Division Director Food and Nutrition Service, USDA Washington, DC March 2, 2009

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 $100, 000, to carry out grant program for NSLP equipment assistance Provided to States proportional to each State’s SAE allocation States offer competitive grants based upon SFA need for equipment Priority given to school with at least 50% F/RP

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Commodity Assistance Program $150 m ($50 m for costs associated with the distribution of commodities) up to $25 m for FY 2009 FDPIR $5 m for facility improvements/equipment upgrades SNAP Temporary increase of benefits

Farm Bill Direct Certification Geographic Preference School Gardens Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Whole Grain Pilot Buy American Survey of Foods Purchased by Schools

Reauthorization 2009 Preparing USDA Gathering information on Stakeholder priorities Request for Public Comments Regional Listening Sessions Reviewing current authority Seeking ways to strengthen integrity Streamline administration Improve access

Regional Listening Sessions Listening sessions in each region More than 320 people shared their priorities for reauthorization Speakers included State and local agency officials, school district representatives, professional organizations, advocacy groups, program participants, and interested citizens

Request for Comments Federal Register Notice – May 22, 2008 Requested comments on reauthorization priorities Strengthening Program management and improving nutrition Ensuring all eligible people have access to Program benefits Advancing technology and innovation Comment period closed October 15, 2008 Approximately 15, 000 comments received via mail, fax, e-mail and regulations. gov

Incoming Policy Officials Briefing materials on current program issues Briefing materials on key reauthorization issues Expiring provisions and technical fixes Likely proposals from stakeholders General summary of all concerns Budget estimates for potential reauthorization proposals

Key School Meals Issues Increase funding Eliminate reduced price category Establish national nutrition standards for all foods sold at school Expand Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Require more dietary preference options

Timeline Summer 2008 Fall 2008 February 2009 March 2008 Spring/ Summer 2009 September 30, 2009 Listening Sessions Comment Submissions Comment Period Ends Analysis Begins Listening Session Summary Posted President’s Budget Released Comment Analysis Complete Child Nutrition Hearings Likely to Begin Comments Available on-line FNS Responding to Questions Congressional Bill Drafting, Mark-ups, and Votes FNS Responding to Proposals Current Authority Expires New Legislation or Continuing Resolution Passed

NSLP Published Rules 3 Rules published in 2008/2009 HACCP Verification Substitution of non-dairy beverages

Rules in Development NSLP/SBP Meal Patterns Provision 2 & 3 District-wide Seamless Summer Direct Certification

Simplified Summer 2001 - Lugar Pilot in public and certain other sponsors in 14 States, including Puerto Rico 2004 - Permanent “Simplified Summer Food Program” for all sponsors in 20 States 2006 - Extension to 6 more States 2007 - Extension nationwide

USDA Partners

Breakfast Tool Kit Re-designed as online resource Materials available to download and customize Power. Point presentations Information sheets Letters Marketing materials Webinar: February 11, 2009 www. fns. usda. gov/cnd/breakfast/ expansion/default. htm

Direct Certification: Report to Congress Direct Certification in the National School Lunch Program: State Progress in Implementation published December 2008 Assesses effectiveness of direct certification efforts made by States and locals 2007 -2008 median direct certification rate of SNAPparticipating children was 69%

Upcoming Research Studies School Nutrition Dietary Assessment Study (SNDA-IV) School Food Purchase Study III Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Evaluation American Community Survey for NSLP Claiming Rates Error Prone Profile of NSLP Certification Errors

IOM’s Review of Meal Patterns and Nutrition Standards December 2008, Institute of Medicine (IOM) issued Phase I report describing approach to use in making recommendations for revisions to the nutrition standards and meal requirements January 28 Public hearings on the Phase I report. http: //iom. edu/CMS/3788/54064. aspx

IOM’s Review of Meal Patterns and Nutrition Standards Phase II will have specific recommendations. Report to be released by December 2009, at which time FNS will review recommendations and begin rulemaking. IOM study expanded to provide recommendations for the CACFP, to begin at completion of Phase II report. CACFP committee to include existing and new members. CACFP report expected in October 2010.

Healthier. US School Challenge 544 elementary schools have received bronze, silver or gold awards Updated criteria January 1, 2009 Includes Gold with Distinction award

Updated Criteria Reflect 2005 Dietary Guidelines and the Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) published recommendations (April 2007)

Key Changes More dark green and orange vegetables, dry beans and peas More whole grains Low-fat (1%) or fat-free milk and milk products Restrictions on fat, sugar and sodium in competitive foods

New Resources Updated criteria, application and other resources are available online at www. teamnutrition. usda. gov Online application will be available in March

Dietary Guidelines Fact Sheets Low-fat and fat-free milk, cheese and yogurt Fruits Vegetables Dry Beans and Peas Whole Grains Sodium Fiber Cholesterol/Saturated Fats Trans Fat

Team Nutrition Publications Enroll as Team Nutrition School Team Up at Home My. Pyramid for Kids Resources Eat Smart. Play Hard. Resources Power of Choice Empowering Youth Nutrition Essentials

Additional Publications Preschool materials available now Nibbles for Health My. Pyramid for Preschoolers Preschool materials available in 2009 Preschool Pointers Grow It, Try It, Like It! Two Bite Club USDA Recipes for Child Care

My. Pyramid for Preschoolers Poster targets children ages 25 Introduces My. Pyramid Features healthy eating and physical activity messages Illustrates age-appropriate physical activities

Nibbles for Health For child care center staff and parents of young children Parent sharing sessions My. Pyramid Estimating food amounts Physical activity Reading food labels Reproducible newsletters Posters, mini posters, and CD-Rom of materials

Preschool Pointers 8 ½ x 11 two-sided handout Compliments My. Pyramid for Preschoolers poster Features poster on front Provides healthy eating and physical activity pointers for families on reverse side

Grow It, Try It, Like It! Preschool Fun with Fruits and Vegetables Garden-themed education kit Introduces young children to fruits and vegetables Children learn how fruits and vegetables go from farm to table

Two-Bite Club Replaces Go, Grow, Glow Introduces My. Pyramid for Preschoolers Encourages preschoolers to try new foods from each food group

USDA Recipes for Child Care Information on adjusting recipes, food safety, nutrients CD-Rom of guidance, recipes, and booklet content CD-Rom of Food Buying Guide

Thank you!