School Meals and the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act Janey Thornton, PhD, SNS Deputy Under Secretary Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services United States Department of Agriculture

 Began in 1946 after World War II  Matter of national security  Recruits couldn’t pass military health and physical activity tests School Meals: A Historical Perspective

School Meal Programs

All of America’s children have access to safe, nutritious, and balanced meals. 4 Our Commitment

and Hunger Challenge of Obesity

2010 Dietary Guidelines and My Plate Icon

USDA Foods and School Nutrition 7 USDA Foods provide approximately 15-20% of the food offered in each school lunch.

Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act Improve access Improve schools’ nutritional environment Increase breakfast participation Expand supper offerings Professional Standards Expand summer program

New Meal Patterns Hot Off the Press! 9

Final Rule Meal Patterns Breakfast Meal PatternLunch Meal Pattern Grades K-5Grades 6-8Grades 9-12GradesK-5Grades6-8Grades9-12 Meal PatternAmount of Food Per Week (Minimum Per Day) Fruits (cups)5 (1) 2.5 (0.5) 5 (1) Vegetables (cups) (0.75) 5 (1) Dark green Red/Orange Beans/Peas- Legumes Starchy Other Additional Veg to Reach Total Grains (oz eq) i 7-10 (1)8-10 (1)9-10 (1)8-9 (1)8-10 (1)10-12 (2) Meats/Meat Alt (oz eq) (1)9-10 (1)10-12 (2) Fluid milk (cups) 5 (1) Other Specifications: Daily Amount Based on the Average for a 5-Day Week Min-max calories (kcal) Sat fat (% of total calories) < 10 Sodium (mg) < 430< 470< 500< 640< 710< 740 Trans fat Nutrition label or manufacturer specifications must indicate zero grams of trans fat per serving.

Fruit and Vegetable Program

Farm to School 12

Four Pillars: Helping parents make healthy family choices Serving healthier food in schools Improving access to healthy, affordable food Increasing physical activity of kids 13 Dedicated to solving the challenge of childhood obesity within a generation. LetsMove.gov The First Lady’s Let’s Move! Campaign

Recognizing Excellence in Nutrition and Physical Activity HealthierUS School Challenge 14

15 Chefs Move to Schools

Working together and sharing ideas at all levels CAN make a difference