Why should I care about Nutrition Services?
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.
Nutrition services refer to the Child Nutrition Programs made available through the schools, daycares, and Residential Child Care Institutions. A variety of nutritious and appealing meals that provide for the health and nutrition needs of all students are provided. School nutrition programs reflect the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans and other criteria to achieve nutrition integrity. Through the school food experience, students are offered a learning laboratory for practicing classroom nutrition and health education lessons, 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).
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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), which include more whole grains, more fruits and vegetables, and less sodium. Federally reimbursable meals and snacks provided through the School Breakfast Program (SBP), the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), and the After School Snack Program should 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
A new law was passed in the 2007 legislative session that addresses the issue of peanut allergies in schools (see RIGL §16-21-31). The law applies to all elementary and middle schools, but is recommended to apply to all high schools, as well. If there is a student in your school(s) identified with a peanut or tree nut allergy, the district/school must do the following:
- Post a notice within the school in a conspicuous place at every point of entry and within the cafeteria providing notice that a student in the school has an allergy to peanuts/tree nuts (see sample sign);
- Prohibit the sale of peanuts/tree nuts, peanut butter and other peanut-based products in the school cafeteria;
- Designate a peanut/tree nut free table in the cafeteria;
- Designate a table in the cafeteria as “peanut/tree nut” table; and
- Designate one classroom per grade to be peanut/tree nut free.
To assist schools with implementing this law, RIDE has disseminated guidance memos, a copy of the legislation, a sample sign, and Frequently Asked Questions for parents. Also see the Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies section of the Physical Environment in Schools page for additional resources.
Farm- to-School
RIGL §44-30-27 establishes an income tax credit to any individual or entity that provides locally grown produce to schools.
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What are some of the best practices for schools around Nutrition Services?
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.
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What data are available about Nutrition Services in Rhode Island schools?
Quick Facts
- In 2005, 19.5% of children lived in households with income below the federal poverty rate. This is the worst rate in New England and the 35th worst among all 50 states (RI Kids Count).
- 12.4 of households in Rhode Island are considered "food insecure" and 4.1% are "very-low food secure" (2003-05 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
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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 - More Matters
This website
is a comprehensive information resource that provides health information and tips to encourage fruits and vegetables. Also see Frutas y Verduras - Fruits & Veggies in Spanish.
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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 requriements for snacks and beverages.
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 2 to 6 years old.
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Whom do I contact for additional information?
Adrienne DiMeo
Coordinator, Child Nutrition Programs
Rhode Island Department of Education
401-222-4253
Adrienne.DiMeo@ride.ri.gov
Stephen Carey
Nutrition Program Specialist
Rhode Island Department of Education
401-222-8936
Stephen.Carey@ride.ri.gov
