(NAFB) – When the new standards for school meals kick in next school year 32-million kids will benefit from the healthy meal requirements. Those requirements will raise standards for the first time in more than fifteen years and improve the health and nutrition of those students that participate in school meal programs every school day. Linda Davis-Alldritt, President, National Association of School Nurses, says – school nurses worked hard for the passage of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act because they have a critical role in teaching about and encouraging healthy food choices.
Jessica Donze Black RD, MPH, Director of the Kid’s Safe and Healthful Foods Project Pew Charitable Trusts says – the focus on improving school meals comes at a critical time for children’s health as young people increasingly suffer from diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
And Nancy Brown, CEO, American Heart Association, points out that – learning to make nutritious food choices at an early age is an important lesson for America’s children. We strongly believe these new standards for school meals will help the nation’s youth develop healthy food habits that will help lower obesity rates and ensure that the next generation can lead lives free of heart disease and stroke.
