SNA Policy News: Updates from Washington D.C.

USDA Issues Proposed Rule to Restore School Meal Flexibilities
School Nutrition Association
On November 25, 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) released proposed regulations to restore flexibilities for milk, whole grain and sodium requirements in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP). This proposed rule maintains Target 1 sodium limits through the 2023-24 School Year (SY), states that Target 2 limits take effect in SY 2024-25, and the final target is eliminated. It also requires half of all grains served under NSLP/SBP to be whole grain-rich and allows the service of low-fat flavored milk.

USDA issued the proposed regulations following the April 13th federal district court ruling that vacated the 2018 Final Rule Child Nutrition Programs: Flexibilities for Milk, Whole Grains, and Sodium Requirements due to procedural issues. SNA urged USDA to restore the flexibilities to ease the burden on school meal programs.

Now is your time to take action! USDA has established a 30-day comment period for the proposed rule and “intends to issue a final rule in spring 2021 to ensure that stakeholders can continue to rely on the operational flexibilities proposed in this rule.” SNA is encouraging all school nutrition professionals to urge USDA to restore flexibilities by submitting your comments on the impact and importance of milk, whole grain and sodium flexibilities.
SNA Announces Process for Nominating USDA Political Appointees
School Nutrition Association
President-elect Joe Biden is currently appointing individuals to high-level positions at various departments and agencies, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). During past Administrations, SNA has participated in this process by suggesting names for appointed positions at USDA. As the Biden Administration continues to develop, SNA will again be putting forth candidates for consideration. We would like SNA members to help identify these individuals who should be considered by the Biden Transition Team for appointed positions. Please check out the full announcement for more information on how to submit your application. Applications are due by December 4, 2020. Interested individuals should send their application and resume to Cathy Schuchart, SVP of Government Affairs & Media Relations, at cschuchart@schoolnutrition.org.
USDA Announces $10 Million in Farm to School Grants
School Nutrition Association
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced its Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) will seek to award $10 million in Farm to School Grants in 2021. Each grant helps implement farm to school programs that increase access to local food in eligible schools, connect children with agriculture for better health and inspire youth to consider careers in agriculture. Applications are due January 8, 2021. Check out FNS's website for Farm to School Grant resources, such as Frequently Asked Questions.
Personal Protective Equipment for Safe Schools Act
School Nutrition Association
U.S. Representative Jesus G. "Chuy" García (IL-04) introduced H.R. 8664, the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Safe Schools Act. This act provides $17 billion to school districts to pay for PPE, cleaning supplies, technical training and additional staff support needed to keep students, educators and communities safe during COVID-19. This bill has been referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor. Read Congressmen García's full press release.
USDA Publishes Updated Q&A for SFSP and SSO Extended Waivers for SY 2020-21
School Nutrition Association
On November 2, 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) published "Questions and Answers Relating to the Nationwide Waiver to Allow SFSP and Seamless Summer Option Operations through SY 2020-21 – Q&As #3." This memorandum includes updated questions and answers intended to provide clarification to state agencies and program operators on issues related to recently published waivers for SFSP and SSO during the COVID-19 pandemic.