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SUPTS. MEMO. NO. 99
May 31, 1996 |
| TO: | Division Superintendents |
| FROM: | William C. Bosher, Jr.
Superintendent of Public Instruction |
| SUBJECT: | "School Meals for Healthy Children" |
As indicated in Supts Memos No. 12, Regulatory, August 18, 1995, changes in the school breakfast and lunch programs are required, effective at the beginning of school year 1996-97. These changes were provided to ensure that school meals promote the health of children and were based on current nutrition knowledge. An inservice on the program requirements was provided to school nutrition program directors and contacts April 30, May 1 and 2. At that time, training materials and slides were provided for each school division. To assist school administrators and personnel to understand the changes, the School Nutrition Programs is distributing "School Meals for Healthy Children" to each school principal. This publication was adapted from a Wisconsin Department of Education publication and will assist personnel in understanding changes "behind the scenes" to provide students with healthful appealing meals and the accountability expectations related to school menus. "School Meals for Healthy Kids" describes the relationship of the "Dietary Guidelines for Americans" and healthful eating. It includes the options provided, a comparison of the new regulations with previous regulations, and lists the approved nutrient analysis software for those schools which select the nutrient standard menu planning system. A copy will be sent to you under separate cover for your information. If you would like additional copies for school board members, please contact School Nutrition Programs. In August, the School Nutrition Programs will present ten regional manager inservice programs on the Food Based Menu Planning System. Invitations have been mailed to cafeteria managers. Essential to the success of this initiative is the collaboration of administration and classroom with food service in educating students on the selection of meals that will benefit their health and performance. We hope that each school community will work as a team to promote healthful eating by students. A number of Virginia schools have become a part of the USDA TEAM NUTRITION effort to promote nutrition education and healthful eating. If you would like information on this effort, please contact Jane Logan, Director, School Nutrition Programs (804) 225-2074 or fax (804) 371-8593. WCBjr/idl