Legislative/Regulatory Action

Issues and Legislation

Implementation of P.L. 111-296, the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act

• Implementing the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act - Timeline - May 2011
• LAC USDA Listening Session - March 2011
• Public Law 111-296 The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act  - January 2011
• The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act: A Baker's Dozen of Frequently Asked Questions  - December 2010
• Summary of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act - December 2010

National School Nutrition Standards
SNA has engaged in a dialogue with school nutrition professionals to advocate for national school nutrition standards for school meals and other foods and beverages available in schools. Resources and links relating to this effort can be accessed here.

• School Nutrition Association National Nutrition Standards (PDF)
• Institute of Medicine Review of National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program Meal Patterns and Nutrient Standards (school meals) 
• Institute of Medicine Nutrition Standards for Foods in Schools (non-school meals) 

Legislation and Issues
Updated list of school nutrition related bills and legislation introduced in Congress.

Policies and Regulations

The school nutrition programs are operated through a federal, state, and local partnership.  All three areas of government set policies and regulations that affect how the programs are run.

Federal Legislation

• Child Nutrition Programs: Legislative History Highlights 
• Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (in Adobe Acrobat format)
• Public Law 108-265 Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 (in Adobe Acrobat format)
• Public Law 111-296 The Healthy, Hunger-Free Schools Act of 2010 (in Adobe Acrobat format)
• Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act  (in Adobe Acrobat format)

Federal Regulations

• Regulations of the Department of Agriculture - Chapter II -- Food and Nutrition Service, Department of Agriculture 
• USDA School Meal Regulations Website 

State

State Competitive Foods Policies (pdf)
State Competitive Food Policies vary across the States. This report is, as can best be determined, accurate for 2013 and will be updated as policies change at both the Federal and State level. Please note that local schools can implement their own wellness plans with stricter rules if so desired.

State Reimbursement Rates and School Meal Mandates (pdf)
SNA provides a listing of states that provide reimbursement money to school districts over the federally required amount. This listing also notes states that require school districts to provide school nutrition programs. As can best determined, it is up to date for the 2012-2013 school year.

Local

Local School Wellness Policies 
One section of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 requires that all school districts that participate in the National School Lunch Program have local wellness policies by July 1, 2006. The School Nutrition Association (formerly ASFSA) has put together tools to help assist the school community in dealing with this new requirement.

Grassroots

Learn the issues, use the resources, get active and make your voice heard.

• Find Your Elected Officials Look up all your elected officials using your zip code
• Cafeteria Site Visit 101 New toolkit that helps you host a member of Congress for lunch
• Election 2012 Congressional, state and presidential election information
• Capitol Hill Basics Communicating with elected officials
• Media Guide Locate and write local members of the press
• Legislative Toolkit Templates, tips and more