NSBA's Letter to the Senate: December 7, 2007

December 7, 2007

Member
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Re:   Amendment on School Nutrition Standards to Senate Farm Bill (S.A. 3500 to H.R. 2419)

Dear Senator:

On behalf of the 95,000 school board members who serve the nation’s 48 million students in our local public schools, the National School Boards Association (NSBA) urges you to oppose S. Amdt. 3639 offered by Senator Harkin during debate on the Farm bill, which would set specific nutrition standards for all foods and beverages sold in schools outside of the federally subsidized school meals program.

While NSBA believes that nutrition is an important part of fostering a healthy learning environment for children, we do not support efforts to codify into statute a national standard for all foods and beverages sold on school campuses throughout the extended school day.  Such an act would impose overly burdensome and restrictive requirements on school districts without any federal funding to implement the necessary changes.  Furthermore, this action undermines the work of local wellness committees to engage members of their community about health issues in their schools.  

Under the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, every school district participating in the federal school meals program must enact a wellness policy that includes goals for nutrition education, physical activity, and nutrition guidelines for all foods available at school. Local school board members play a role in developing these plans and believe that local communities are in the best position to foster and support a healthy learning environment for their children. 

Additionally it should be noted that many school districts have adopted policies that are reflective of state and industry guidelines, which would be superseded by this amendment.  Federal intrusion into this arena, would only serve to confuse efforts currently underway and impose additional costs on schools and vendors.

NSBA urges you to vote no on the Harkin amendment.  If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Chrisanne Gayl, Director of Federal Programs, at 703-838-6763; or by e-mail, cgayl@nsba.org.

Sincerely,
 
Michael A. Resnick
Associate Executive Director