Saturday, January 31, 2015

Struggling With the Unintended Effects of the HHFKA

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.