Nutrition Services • thrive • Rhode Island's Coordinated School Health Program


	Why should I care about Nutrition Services? What are Rhode Island's state requirements for Nutrition Services in schools? What are some of the best practices for schools around Nutrition Services? What data are available about Nutrition Services in Rhode Island schools? I'm a parent... Where do I go for parent information and resources about Nutrition Services in schools? I'm a teacher, school food service director, or school administrator... What resources or tools for schools are available on Nutrition Services? Whom do I contact for more information? Why should I care about Nutrition Services? Nutrition services refer to the Child Nutrition Programs made available through the schools, daycares, and Residential Child Care Institutions. Nutrition Services provide access to a variety of nutritious and appealing meals that accommodate the health and nutrition needs of all students. School nutrition programs reflect the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans and other criteria to achieve nutrition integrity. The school nutrition services offer students a learning laboratory for classroom nutrition and health education, and serve as a resource for linkages with nutrition-related community services. Qualified child nutrition professionals provide these services. The Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is responsible for administering the five major United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Child Nutrition Programs. These programs include the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), the School Breakfast Program (SBP), the Special Milk Program, the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). back to questions What are Rhode Island’s state requirements for Nutrition Services in schools? Food Service Rhode Island state law mandates that all public schools make lunches (RI General Law §16-8-10) and breakfasts (RIGL §16-8-10.1) available to all students, including those who qualify for free or reduced-price meals under federal income guidelines. Schools must also abide by all applicable rules and regulations pertaining to nutrition standards as well as management and implementation practices (See Section 29 of the Rules and Regulations for School Health Programs, Sections 7-13 of RIGL Chapter 16-8: Federal Aid; RIGL Chapter 21-27: Sanitation in Food Establishments; and the Rhode Island Food Code, R23-1, 21-27-FOOD). Beginning in September 2009, the School Meals Initiative (SMI) Review Process in Rhode Island will incorporate the Rhode Island Nutrition Requirements 2009 (RINR 2009). These requirements include more whole grains, more fruits and vegetables, and less sodium (see the RINR-EZ Sheet). Federally reimbursable meals and snacks provided through the School Breakfast Program (SBP), the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), and the After School Snack Program will have to meet all current Federal meal requirements AND these more stringent requirements. Healthier Snacks & Beverages RI General Laws §16-21-7 requires that elementary, middle, junior high and senior high schools sell only healthier beverages and healthier snacks, as defined in RIGL §16-21-29, except when items are sold: by pupils of the school and the sale of those items takes place of and away from the premises of the school; by pupils of the school and the sale of those items takes place one hour or more after the end of the school day; or during a school sponsored pupil activity after the end of the school day. (See also Sec. 29.7-29.8 of Rules and Regulations for School Health Programs). Please see the Rhode Island Approved Product List for various vending and snack products that meet these requirements. Food Safety Certification At least one person in the school food service program must be certified as a manager in food safety, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations Pertaining to Certification of Managers in Food Safety (R21-27-CFS). Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies New legislation, RI 2008 Public Laws, Chapters 08-086 & 08-090, has changed the Rhode Island peanut/tree nut allergy law. Schools districts are now required to develop food allergy policies and schools are now required to develop Individual Health Care Plans and Emergency Health Care Plans for students with peanut/tree nut allergies with potentially severe health consequences. To provide some guidance on implementing the new law, Deputy Commissioner of Education, David V. Abbott, has disseminated a guidance memo (August 26, 2008) about implementation of this law. That and other guidance and informational materials can be found on the Health Services page. They can also download as a single file, RI Peanut Allergy Law Guidance Documents. Farm- to-School RIGL §44-30-27 establishes an income tax credit to any individual or entity that provides locally grown produce to schools. back to questions What are some of the best practices for schools around Nutrition Services? Rhode Island Nutrition Requirements 2009 (RINR 2009) These requirements include more whole grains, more fruits and vegetables, and less sodium (see the RINR-EZ Sheet). By September 2009, federally reimbursable meals and snacks provided through the School Breakfast Program (SBP), the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), and the After School Snack Program will have to meet all current Federal meal requirements AND these more stringent requirements. National School Lunch Program This program provides nutritious low-cost or free lunches to an average of about 50,000 children daily. Special Milk Program This program encourages the consumption of milk by children in public and private nonprofit schools, and in nonprofit residential or non-residential child care institutions, provided they do not also participate in other federal meal service programs. School Breakfast Program This program provides balanced, low-cost or free breakfasts to an average of about 7,000 children daily. Summer Food Service Program This program funds lunches and breakfasts and, in some cases, suppers or snacks for children in needy areas when school is not in session during the summer. Child and Adult Care Food Program This program provides federal funding to non-residential child care and adult care facilities to serve healthy meals and snacks. After School Snack Program in Schools and Child Care Institutions This program provides nutritious snacks served to children through age 18 if the children are participating in after school care programs. back to questions What data are available about Nutrition Services in Rhode Island schools? Quick Facts In 2007, 17.9% of children lived in households with income below the federal poverty rate. This rate is the worst in New England and the 32nd among all 50 states (RI Kids Count). 11.3% of households in Rhode Island are considered "food insecure" and 3.7% are "very-low food secure" (2004-06 3-year average) (Food Research Action Center, FRAC). The average daily student participation in the national School Lunch Program in Rhode Island in 2005-06 was 84,101, of which 48,074 (57.2%) received free or reduced-priced meals (FRAC). The average daily student participation in the national School Breakfast Program in Rhode Island in 2005-06 was 25,974, of which 20,949 (80.6%) received free or reduced-priced meals (FRAC). More Data The 2006 School Health Profiles summary provides basic data about policies and practices related to nutrition and nutrition education in Rhode Island middle and high schools. More detailed information is available from the principal survey and from the teacher survey. The CDC's School Health Policies and Programs Study website provides fact-sheets with national data on school nutrition and foods sold outside of the school meals program, as well as a summary of state-level policies related to nutrition services. The Kids Count Factbook provides key data on economic well-being, including school breakfast and other programs. The Food Research Action Center provides data on poverty, food insecurity, and federal school nutrition programs. In$ite Financial Data includes district expenditures on different school functions, including food service. back to questions I’m a parent... Where do I go for parent information and resources about Nutrition Services in schools? Kids First Kids First guides communities to improve the nutritional and physical well-being of children Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion This is the focal point within USDA where scientific research is linked with the nutritional needs of the American public. MyPyramid The original Food Guide Pyramid is replaced by MyPyramid. Now available in Spanish! MyPyramid for Kids is a child-friendly version of MyPyramid designed for 6 to 11 year olds. MyPyramid for Kids encourages school children to make healthy eating choices and to be more physically active, eat right, exercise, and have fun. MyPyramid Tracker This interactive tool provides valuable feedback on the user's dietary intake and physical activity levels. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2005 The basic guidelines for eating a healthy diet and being physically active. The 5 A Day for Better Health Program is a national initiative to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables by all Americans to 5 to 9 servings a day. Eat Smart. Play Hard. This website is about encouraging and teaching kids and adults to eat healthy and be physically active everyday New England Dairy and Food Council This is a non-profit nutrition education organization, serving Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont, whose goal is to ensure health professionals, scientists, media and educators have a credible body of nutrition knowledge upon which to educate or base health recommendations. HealthierUS.Gov This website provides credible, accurate information to help Americans choose to live healthier lives. USDA United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) FNS administers the nutrition assistance programs of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, whose mission is to provide children and needy families better access to food and a more healthful diet through its food assistance programs and comprehensive nutrition education efforts. Fruits & Veggies Matter Fruits & Veggies - More Matters These websites offer health information, resources and tips to encourage fruits and vegetables. back to questions I’m a teacher or school administrator... What resources or tools for schools are available on Nutrition Services? Rhode Island District Health & Wellness Subcommittee Toolkit This toolkit was developed to help RI school districts meet various state and federal requirements for District Health & Wellness Subcommittees, local wellness policies, and nutrition requirements for snacks and beverages. thrive report The March 2007 *thrive report* focuses on nutrition in schools. The January 2008 issue focuses on Healthy Weight. USDA United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) FNS administers the nutrition assistance programs of the U.S. Department of Agriculture whose mission is to provide children and needy families better access to food and a more healthful diet through its food assistance programs and comprehensive nutrition education efforts. New England Dairy and Food Council This council is a non-profit nutrition education organization, serving Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont, whose goal is to ensure health professionals, scientists, media and educators have a credible body of nutrition knowledge upon which to educate or base health recommendations. Provides educator resources, classroom activities, newsletters, nutrition bookshelf, and more. Kids First provides a variety of programs and workshops for educators, school staff, districts, and after school and childcare communities on food safety, nutrition, physical activity, and wellness as well as providing resources, news and events. Eat Smart. Play Hard. This website offers resources and tools to convey and reinforce healthy eating and lifestyle behaviors that are consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the MyPyramid Food Guidance System. Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion This is the focal point within USDA where scientific research is linked with the nutritional needs of the American public. Publications include educator resources available. Fruits & Veggies - More Matters This website provides school resources, tools, curricula, and classroom materials for teachers; CD-ROMS, audiocassettes, and activities for students; recipes and family activity tips to reinforce healthy diet messages for parents at home; and dynamic marketing and teaching materials for school food professionals. MyPyramid MyPyramid for Kids is a child-friendly version of MyPyramid designed for 6 to 11 year olds. MyPyramid for Kids encourages school children to make healthy eating choices and to be more physically active, eat right, exercise, and have fun. Play the MyPyramid Blast Off Game. Tips for Using the Food Guide Pyramid This is for young children two to six years old. back to questions Whom do I contact for additional information? Stephen Carey Nutrition Program Specialist Rhode Island Department of Education 401-222-8936 Stephen.Carey@ride.ri.gov back to questions

I’m a teacher or school administrator... What resources or tools for schools are available on Nutrition Services?