ADA Statement on Child Nutrition Promotion and School Lunch Legislation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 7, 2006

Media contacts: Jennifer Starkey, Tom Ryan
800/877-1600, ext. 4802, 4894
e-mail: media@eatright.org

Statement of the American Dietetic Association following Introduction in Congress
of Child Nutrition Promotion and School Lunch Protection Act

The Child Nutrition Promotion and School Lunch Protection Act, introduced in Congress Thursday, April 6, is a positive step in providing a healthful school environment for students. It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that schools and communities have a shared responsibility to provide all students with access to high-quality foods and school-based nutrition services as an integral part of the total education program.

The bipartisan legislation calls on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to update the nutrition standards for foods sold in school cafeterias alongside federally reimbursed school meals and would apply those standards to foods sold on school grounds throughout the day.

Nutrition science has changed greatly in the nearly 30 years since the Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value standard was established. The standards governing school meals are consistently updated to be consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and this bill would bring guidelines governing other foods sold in schools up to date with current nutritional science.

However, standards alone are not enough. Nutrition education for children is essential to addressing obesity and other diet-related diseases. This legislation will not replace nutrition education; rather it would reinforce classroom nutrition education by modeling and supporting healthy behaviors. The complexities of the food environment, coupled with dynamic family structures and increasing independence of children, further underscore the need for enhanced nutrition education efforts in schools.

School nutrition personnel are integral to successful implementation of nutrition standards and should be appropriately certified and possess principles and knowledge in food, nutrition and food safety. It is not easy to balance student satisfaction with nutritional needs – and to do so cost-effectively. Extending nutrition standards to all foods and beverages sold in schools will only increase the need for trained professionals in schools.

Since dietetics is the only nutrition science that directly connects food to nutrition and health, registered dietitians are uniquely trained in ways to help schools, families and children integrate nutrition into healthier choices and lifestyles.

With approximately 65,000 members, the American Dietetic Association is the nation’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Chicago-based ADA serves the public by promoting optimal nutrition, health and well-being. To locate a registered dietitian in your area, visit ADA at www.eatright.org.

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