U.S.D.A. Proposes New Rules for Snacks and Beverages Sold in Schools

May, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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This generation of children is the first that will not outlive their parents if action is not taken to curb childhood obesity and its health consequences.  The United States Department of Agriculture, commonly known as the USDA, recently released the proposed “Smart Snacks in School” rules for competitive snack foods and beverages that can be sold in schools.  This type of support for healthy eating and prevention of childhood obesity is a win for public health.
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Childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and tripled in adolescents in the last three decades.  In 2010, approximately one third of children in the United States were overweight or obese.  A healthy diet coupled with moderate physical activity prevents overweight, obesity, type 2 diabetes, stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.  Risk factors for heart disease, like high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol, used to be uncommon in youth.  Now, 70% of obese youth have at least one risk factor for heart disease.

Obese adolescents are also at risk for prediabetes, a condition characterized by moderately high blood sugar levels and precedes the onset of diabetes.  Childhood obesity also increases risk for bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological issues, like stigmatization and poor self-esteem.  Obese children and adolescents are more likely to become obese adults who are at risk for adult health problems, such as stroke, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, several cancers, and osteoarthritis.  Additionally, the economic costs of obesity in the U.S. are astounding.  In 2008, the medical costs of obesity were about $147 billion.
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Roughly 50 million children headed off to public schools at the beginning of the 2012-2013 school year.  Children spend the majority of their time in school, learning about various educational topics, such as math, reading, writing, and science.  Development of life skills is equally important.  Students learn responsibility, social skills, organizational skills, and many other skills.  Healthy eating is an important life skill children should learn at school, especially as home economics and physical education classes continue to disappear.

Providing healthy meals and snacks at schools exposes students to healthy foods they may not get at home.  As most parents know, children know what they like, and they prefer to eat what they like.  Research shows that early childhood experiences with food influences preferences and eating patterns.  Children are more likely to eat and enjoy an unfamiliar food if they have had repeated opportunities to taste it.  Children with broader food experiences also have healthier diets. 

The “Smart Snacks in School” rules propose healthy changes to snacks and beverages sold outside of school meal programs but during school hours, such as items found in vending machines and snack bars.  The rules do not restrict parents’ freedom to pack what they want for bagged lunches or send treats for classroom celebrations, such as birthdays and holidays.  The rules allow schools to continue traditions like occasional fundraisers and bake sales during school hours.  It will be up to the states to decide the number of fundraisers allowed per school year that do not have to comply with the rules.  Afterschool events and activities, such as sporting events, are not required to follow the rules.  The proposed rules are consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010 and recent scientific evidence.  Other highlights include:

​All food sold in schools must meet one of two requirements: (1) Be either a fruit, vegetable, dairy product, protein food, 50% whole grain by weight or have whole grains listed as the first ingredient, or be a combination of food that provides at least ¼ cup of fruit or vegetables; OR (2) Provide 10% of the Daily Value of a nutrient that has been noted as a public health concern by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.  These are calcium, potassium, vitamin D, and fiber.
Snacks must not contain over 200 milligrams of sodium.
Snacks must be 200 calories or less. 
Beverages that can be sold include plain water, unflavored low fat (1%) milk, plain or flavored fat-free milk and milk alternatives of equal nutritional value, and 100% fruit/vegetable juice.   Portion sizes of milk and juice can be adjusted based on the age of students.

Although many societal factors, like family, communities, childcare, medical care, media, and the food industry, influence children’s food preferences, schools play a critical role in shaping their food habits.  Children spend most of their day at school.  They eat breakfast, lunch, and snacks at school.  As responsible parents and citizens, we need to support legislation that protects public health and ensures that this generation of children will outlive their parents.

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What actions can parents and concerned citizens take?

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• Review the full proposal at www.federalregister.gov.  Then, submit a formal comment for deliberation by the USDA.  The comment period is open until April 9, 2013.
• Be active in your child’s school.  Volunteer in the cafeteria during meal service times.  Actively participate in school meetings, and voice your support for the healthy changes made to school meals and the new guidelines for snacks.
• Call your elected officials.  Visit www.USA.gov to find contact information for your Representatives and Senators.  Let them know that you support the rules for healthy snacks and beverages.