SNA Commends Congress for Recognizing Challenges Under School Meal Restrictions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Diane Pratt-Heavner
301-686-3124
media@schoolnutrition.org

‎12‎/‎15‎/‎2014

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD – The School Nutrition Association (SNA), on behalf of 55,000 members working in school meal programs nationwide, commends Congress for recognizing the problems schools have encountered under new regulations for school meals and snacks.

On Saturday, Congress passed the Omnibus Appropriations Bill, which addresses several of SNA’s requests for flexibility under the new rules. Click here to read SNA’s earlier statement urging support for the legislation and detailing language easing sodium and whole grain mandates.

“Congress has taken a critical first step toward addressing the challenges school nutrition professionals face as they implement new nutrition standards,” said SNA CEO Patricia Montague, CAE. “Although well-intended, some of USDA’s rules went too far, too fast, and ended up driving students away from healthy school meals while unnecessarily driving up costs for schools.”

“SNA appreciates Congress’ dedication to ensuring the regulations achieve the goals of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, designed to encourage more students to eat nutritious school meals.” added Montague. “SNA thanks Senator John Hoeven and Representative Robert Aderholt, who heeded the concerns of students, families and school nutrition professionals in their districts and worked diligently to ensure students continue to receive healthy and appealing school meals.”

“SNA will continue to work with USDA and Congress in the coming year to advocate for commonsense changes to improve the regulations and protect the financial viability of school meal programs,” added Montague.

SNA supports strong federal nutrition standards, including limits on calories and mandates to offer more fruits and vegetables, but is calling for flexibility under the new rules. Click here for details on SNA’s requests of USDA and Congress. SNA’s 2015 Position Paper will be released in early January.

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.  For more information on school meals, visit www.SchoolNutrition.org/SchoolMeals.