Thursday, April 21, 2016
Federal Advocacy Resources
The Improving Child Nutrition and Education Act (ICNEA), H.R. 5003, was introduced by Rep. Todd Rokita (R-IN), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education (of the House Education and the Workforce Committee). HR 5003 reauthorizes six child nutrition programs, including the school lunch & breakfast programs. The current authorization expired in September 2015. NSBA supports HR 5003 which:
- Increases stakeholder engagement – including school boards - in policy and implementation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture
- Provides additional flexibility for school districts for whole grain, sodium, a la carte foods and other requirements
- Authorizes a much needed reimbursement increase for the school breakfast program – two cents per meal at first and three cents beginning in the 2020-2021 school year
- Prohibits the Secretary from establishing regulations or requirements not explicitly authorized by statute.
