NSBA’s Actions in Support of Federal Funding for Child Nutrition in Schools
NSBA does not support additional regulations or mandates on schools outside of the federally subsidized school lunch and breakfast programs. Find out more about NSBA’s letters to Congress and federal agencies, as well as comments, statements, grassroots calls to actions, and other activities.
Federal Legislative Actions
November 1, 2019: NSBA Letter to USDA on Proposed Change to Eligibility Guidelines for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
In this letter to USDA Sec. Perdue and Deputy Under Sec. Lipps, NSBA urges the USDA to keep vital school nutrition programs strong by rescinding the proposed change to eligibility guidelines for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and to work with Congress and stakeholders for a better solution in ensuring that our public school children have equitable access both to nutritional food and a quality education.
August 6, 2018: NSBA Letter to USDA on Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018
In this letter to USDA Sec. Perdue, NSBA ask the USDA to follow the intent of the House passed farm bill which requires the Secretary to review current child nutrition regulations from the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010 and promulgate new regulations-giving school districts more flexibility in their school breakfast and lunch programs.
January 19, 2016: NSBA Letter to Senator Roberts and Senator Stabenow
In this letter to Senator Pat Roberts and Senator Debbie Stabenow, Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry, NSBA Executive Director Tom Gentzel voiced NSBA's support for the Improving Child Nutrition, Integrity and Access Act of 2016.
June 9, 2015: NSBA Letter to Senator John Hoeven and Senator Angus King
In this letter to Senator John Hoeven, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Specialty Crops and Agricultural Research, and Senator Angus King, NSBA Executive Director Tom Gentzel voiced NSBA's support for the Healthy School Meals Flexibility Act.
June 9, 2015: NSBA Letter to Representative Rodney Davis and Representative Brad Ashford
In this letter to Representative Rodney Davis and Representative Brad Ashford of the House Subcommittee on Nutrition, NSBA Executive Director Tom Gentzel voiced NSBA's support for the Healthy School Meals Flexibility Act.
May 15, 2015: NSBA Letter to Chairman Rokita of House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education
In advance of a May 19 hearing on child nutrition programs, NSBA Executive Director Thomas Gentzel wrote Chairman Todd Rokita to urge autonomy and relief for school districts to successfully administer school meal programs.
June 10, 2014: NSBA Letter to U.S. House of Representatives on FY 2015 Funding for School Nutrition
NSBA reiterates support for school kitchen equipment modernization funding and temporary relief for school districts struggling with child nutrition regulations.
May 28, 2014: NSBA letter to Full House Appropriations Committee on FY 2015 Funding for School Nutrition
NSBA supports funding for school kitchen equipment modernization & flexibility for school districts struggling with child nutrition regulations.
May 19, 2014: NSBA Letter to the House Subcommittee on Agriculture Appropriations for FY 2015
NSBA calls for school district flexibility and improvements in implementation of school meals and other child nutrition regulations.
May 13, 2011: NSBA's Statement to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education
NSBA comments on the financial impact of provisions included in the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act.
December 17, 2010: Child Nutrition Reauthorization Key Provisions
NSBA summarizes the key provisions of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (federal child nutrition program reauthorization.
November 30, 2010: NSBA's Letter to the House of Representatives
NSBA writes to the entire House of Representatives expressing opposition to and concerns about S. 3307, the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act.
November 15, 2010: Joint Letter to the House on School Nutrition
In a letter to the entire House, NSBA joins the American Association of School Administrators and the Council of the Great City Schools to express their opposition to S. 3307, the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act.
Federal Agencies Actions
August 4, 2014: NSBA Advises USDA on Proposed Strike Force for Targeted Technical Assistance for Schools
USDA proposal to provide technical assistance to struggling school districts is insufficient to address the difficulties in complying with the child nutrition law.
April 28, 2014: NSBA Comments on USDA's Proposed Rules Relating to School Lunch Program and Wellness Policy Requirements
In its comments, NSBA identifies where the USDA is overstepping its authority, and has set forth four recommendations for USDA’s consideration.
April 1, 2014: NSBA Comments on Professional Standards for State and Local School Nutrition Programs Personnel
NSBA comments on the USDAs proposed professional standards for State and local school nutrition programs personnel.
October 28, 2013: NSBA Comment on Interim Final Rule for Nutrition Standards for All Foods Sold in School
NSBA writes to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack to support delaying the implementation of competitive nutrition standards for school foods.
April 9, 2013: Public Comment on Nutrition Standards for All Foods Sold in Schools
NSBA sends recommendations to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack about the nutrition standards for all foods sold in schools.
April 4, 2011: NSBA's Comments to Secretary of U.S. Dept. of Agriculture
NSBA sends recommendations to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack about nutrition standards in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs.
February 24, 2011: NSBA's Statement to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture
NSBA comments on the financial impact of provisions included in the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act.
February 18, 2011: Implementation Plan: Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2011
The U.S. Department of Education outlined its implementation timeline for new school meal standards, new standards for competitive foods, paid meal price requirements, indirect costs, and other provisions of the bill.
December 17, 2010: Child Nutrition Reauthorization Key Provisions
NSBA summarizes the key provisions of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (federal child nutrition program reauthorization).
Grassroots Calls to Actions and Resources
November 13, 2014: Pulse Poll on School Meal Requirements
NSBA’s survey of school leaders shows that since that law went into effect in 2010, 83.7 percent of school districts saw an increase in plate waste, 81.8 percent had an increase in cost, and 76.5 percent saw a decrease in participation by students. Flexibility and relief for school districts is needed to solve this dilemma.
Learn about NSBA’s grassroots resources.