The reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act in 2009 offers a tremendous opportunity for the future of school food. This major piece of federal legislation, along with the Farm Bill, largely determines school food policy and resources.

Public participation in the 2009 Child Nutrition reauthorization can shape policy that makes it possible for fresh, healthy meals to become the norm in our country’s schools. Such policy can also insure that all children have access to the type of comprehensive nutrition education that instills lifelong healthy eating habits.

Raise your voice! The USDA wants to know your opinions about the issues surrounding school food. Please contact your local Legislators and voice your opinion.

Applegate Farms and Healthy Schools Campaign support a Child Nutrition Act that addresses several key components of school wellness. We encourage you to include the following suggestions in your comments to the USDA: School MealsIncrease funding for school meals and provide incentives for schools to offer healthier foods. Increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables.Improve nutrition standards for school meals so they align with the most recent dietary guidelines.Establish standards for food sold in schools outside of the school meals programs such as that sold at snack bars and cafeteria a la carte lines. Local Wellness PoliciesRaise awareness and engagement among school leaders, parents and community on the implementation of wellness policies at a school level, and provide technical assistance in making the policies reality.Nutrition EducationProvide resources to facilitate delivery of nutrition education programs, including those focused on school gardens and farm-to-school initiatives.

Go to www.healthyschoolscampaign.org and sign up for their newsletter.