Some 86 members of the School Nutrition Association, whose members oversee school food programs, have signed a letter against waivers from requirements to serve healthier meals, says Marion Nestle at Food Politics. Last year, House Republicans proposed a one-year waiver for schools that lost money on their food programs. The idea is expected to re-appear this year. “While we agree that some aspects of the updates to the standards are challenging, we favor targeted and constructive solutions that do not involve Congress waiving school meal or snack standards,” says the letter to the SNA board.
SNA’s 2015 Position Paper says Congress should increase the reimbursement rate for school meals and allow schools to offer fruit and vegetables as part of a meal, but not require students to take them. The group’s Legislative Action Conference is scheduled for March 1-4 in Washington, and will include time to visit lawmakers.