Over the past several years, national attention has focused on the health of our nation’s children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified Alabama as one of the most obese states in the nation. In an attempt to curtail the obesity and overweight issues that plague our nation, the USDA has redesigned the National School Lunch Program and Breakfast Programs guidance for school-aged children. This initiative is designed to provide healthy food options for our children during the school day.
On December 13, 2010, President Obama signed into Public Law the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA). This historic legislation marked the most comprehensive changes to the school nutrition environment in more than a generation. Beginning this Fall, meal items will change in your school. You will see more whole grain bread and grain products, more varieties of vegetables and fruits offered each week, and less processed food products on the cafeteria lines. Child Nutrition staff will be adjusting menus, food production methods, and delivery systems to market and promote healthy eating habits for all children in Alabama’s schools.