Subject
A proposed Responsibilities for the School Food Service Program rule (5P-1.003). The proposed rule is being developed because: 7 CFR Parts 210 and 220, The National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program provide regulations to establish nutrition standards for all foods sold in schools, other than food sold under the lunch and breakfast programs. Amendments made by Section 208 of Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA) require the USDA to establish nutrition standards for such foods, consistent with the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and directs the USDA to implement an authoritative scientific recommendations for nutrition standards for: existing school nutrition standards, including voluntary standards for beverages and snack foods; current State and local standards; the practical application of the nutrition standards; and special exemptions for infrequent school-sponsored fundraisers (other than fundraising through vending machines, school stores, snack bars, a ‘la carte sales and any other exclusions determined by USDA). When the Florida rule was adopted the federal rules did not regulate all foods on campus during the school day and therefore it was important for Florida to create guidance on the allowance of competitive foods. The federal rule gives specific nutritional standards for competitive foods on campus and specific guidance on when those foods can be sold and takes into account the most recent dietary guidelines and is more comprehensive and concise than the Florida rule. This rule is expected to improve the health and well-being of the Nation’s children, increase consumption of healthful foods during the school day, and create an environment that reinforces the development of healthy eating habits.