The Obama administration buttoned down the 2010 reforms in school food — more fruits, vegetables, dairy and whole grains, but less salt, fat and sugar — with a set of new USDA regulations. They include the final version of a rule, originally issued in 2013, calling for healthier snacks and an update to school “wellness” policies that “ensures that any food or beverage marketed on school campuses during the school day meets the Smart Snacks standards.”
“As a mom, I know how hard parents work to provide nutritious meals and snacks for their kids, and we want to make sure we support those efforts with healthy choices at school,” said First Lady Michelle Obama. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the administration made an “unprecedented commitment to a healthier next generation.”
States have the power to allow exemptions from the snack food rules for school-sponsored fundraising events during school hours, said Deputy Agriculture Undersecretary Katie Wilson. During a tele-conference, she said the “common sense standards” would assure “schools are a healthy place for children to learn.”
Donna Martin, school food director for the Burke County, Ga., schools, said successful fundraising drives can include “fun runs,” stickers and non-food items.
When it issued the snack food rule, USDA said it preserved the ability for parents to send children to school with homemade lunches or treats for activities such as birthday parties, holidays, and other celebrations.
The package of USDA rules included a final version of the Community Eligibility Provision, which allows schools in low-income neighborhoods to serve meals for free to all students. The House Education Committee has passed a bill that would raise raise the threshold for schools to qualify for the provision, potentially disqualifying thousands of schools. Wilson said the provision “really is critical” in high-poverty areas. Republican lawmakers say it unwisely gives free meals to children who can pay.