Schools
throughout New Jersey, as well as the rest of the country, are struggling with
the unintended effects of the School Nutrition programs that resulted from the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act.
While
different phases of this act have been implemented over the last few years, the
most onerous aspects of the new regulations took effect this September. Specifically, the Whole Grain requirement
mandated that all grains offered be whole grain rich. This includes all breads, pizza, bagels and
more. Previously, 50% of what was
offered had to be whole grain rich.
The
offerings were unfamiliar to students and proved to be unpopular. Districts experienced a drop in
participation. In a recent article from
the National School Boards Association (NSBA), they reported that over 75% of
districts saw a drop in participation.
NSBA also reported that over 80% of districts experienced an increase in
plate waste and 81% noted an increase in costs.
The
drop in students participating, combined with higher operating costs are
creating financial hardships for the district’s food service program. The School Nutrition Association (SNA), with
55,000 food service professional members, revealed results of a study
indicating that only 18% of schools anticipate they will be self-sustaining
(break even).
A
CALL TO ACTION: At the end of December, 2014, Congress passed the Omnibus Bill
(Public Law No. 113-235), allowing states to grant waivers from the least
popular elements of this regulation. To
date, the state of New Jersey has not done so and is awaiting guidance from the
USDA. We, as the professionals
representing the interests of our communities, need to encourage the federal
and state legislators and agencies to move quickly on this topic. We want our food service operations to
deliver healthful, wholesome meals that are popular with our students and their
parents.
