Hearing On Food Safety In The School Lunch Program Hrg Comm On Education The Workforce Hse Of Reps 105th Congress 1st Session April 17 1997

These hearing transcripts present testimony to the Senate Committee on Agriculture regarding the School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. Statements were made by several senators, the president of the American School Food Service Association (Connecticut); a school food service program director (Florida); the director of nutrition and education for the American School Food Service Association (Virginia); the director of the Children's Nutrition Research Center (Texas); the vice president of Food Operations at Disneyland Resort and Concept Development (California); and an assistant professor of clinical dietetics and nutrition, University of Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania). Witnesses maintained that the Nutrition Education and Training Program needs funding to maintain its current service level. It is necessary to modify the School Lunch Program to encourage student participation, make it easier for schools for qualify, and to reduce the administrative burden. Testimony also indicated that breakfast programs are vital to student nutrition, academic performance, and school attendance. School food service has become more efficient and more consumer-oriented, has expanded to supply meals to new audiences, and has increased the flexibility of service delivery. However, it is necessary to integrate food service within the educational day to enhance student nutrition knowledge and practice. Offering food choices may reduce food waste. The solution to major childhood nutritional problems is to apply current information to improve children's diets and to support nutrition research. An appendix to the transcripts contains additional statements, letters, and materials submitted. (KB)

Abstract: In 1981, the USDA proposed changes in meal pattern requirements (in effect since 1946) for the school lunch program. The regulations proposed a decrease in: the amount of protein-rich foods (to one and one/half ounces); fruits or vegetables (to one/half cup); bread (to 1 serving); and milk (to 6 ounces for elementary children). The wisdom of the proposal was questioned by subcommittee Chairman Perkins who believes it will deprive children of nutrients needed for growth, health, and well-being. Interested parties voiced their concerns either for or against the proposals. Statements were received from advocacy groups, food service directors, USDA officials, nutrition experts, parents, and professional organizations. Food consumption surveys, food and nutrition intake studies, and studies of foods eaten away from home were cited. (kbc).