School Meals and the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act

School Meals and the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act

Janey Thornton, PhD, SNS Deputy Under SecretaryFood, 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 PerspectiveSchool Meals: A Historical Perspective

School Meal Programs

All of America’s children have access to safe, nutritious, and

balanced meals.

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Our CommitmentOur Commitment

and Hungerand HungerChallenge of ObesityChallenge of Obesity

2010 Dietary Guidelines and My Plate Icon2010 Dietary Guidelines and My Plate Icon

USDA Foods and School NutritionUSDA Foods and School Nutrition

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

Healthy, Hunger Free Kids ActHealthy, 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!New Meal Patterns Hot Off the Press!

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Final Rule Meal Patterns Final Rule Meal PatternsBreakfast Meal Pattern Lunch Meal Pattern

Grades K-5 Grades 6-8 Grades 9-12 GradesK-5 Grades6-8 Grades9-12

Meal Pattern Amount of Food Per Week (Minimum Per Day)Fruits (cups) 5 (1) 5 (1) 5 (1) 2.5 (0.5) 2.5 (0.5) 5 (1)Vegetables (cups)

0 0 03.75 (0.75)

3.75 (0.75) 5 (1)

Dark green 0 0 0 0.5 0.5 0.5 Red/Orange 0 0 0 0.75 0.75 1.25 Beans/Peas-Legumes

0 0 0 0.5 0.5 0.5

Starchy 0 0 0 0.5 0.5 0.5 Other 0 0 0 0.5 0.5 0.75Additional Veg to Reach Total

0 0 0 1 1 1.5

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)

0 0 0 8-10 (1) 9-10 (1) 10-12 (2)

Fluid milk (cups) 5 (1) 5 (1) 5 (1) 5 (1) 5 (1) 5 (1)Other Specifications: Daily Amount Based on the Average for a 5-Day WeekMin-max calories (kcal)

350-500 400-550 450-600 550-650 600-700 750-850

Sat fat (% of total calories)

< 10 < 10 < 10 < 10 < 10 < 10

Sodium (mg) < 430 < 470 < 500 < 640 < 710 < 740Trans fat Nutrition label or manufacturer specifications must indicate zero grams of trans

fat per serving.

Fruit and Vegetable ProgramFruit and Vegetable Program

Farm to SchoolFarm to School

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Four Pillars:Helping parents make healthy family choices

Serving healthier food in schoolsImproving access to healthy, affordable food

Increasing physical activity of kids

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Dedicated to solving the challenge of childhood obesity within a generation.

LetsMove.gov

The First Lady’s Let’s Move! CampaignThe First Lady’s Let’s Move! Campaign

Recognizing Excellence in Nutrition and Physical Activity HealthierUS School ChallengeHealthierUS School Challenge

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Chefs Move to SchoolsChefs Move to Schools

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

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