Benita Gingerella

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Benita Gingerella

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Operations

Federal bill would permanently increase school meal reimbursement rates

Also in this week’s K-12 legislative update: Several states introduce or advance universal free meals bills, while others look to expand local procurement in schools.

Operations

What’s next for school nutrition: 4 takeaways from SNA’s Legislative Action Conference

Universal free meals, reimbursement rates, shifting nutrition standards and more were major topics during the School Nutrition Association’s event this week.

The kid-favorite retail brand will be offered on school menus as early as this fall.

School nutrition operators are planning special menu items, contests and more for March 6-10.

Cones-n-Cups has generated sales 25% higher than expected since debuting at Hinds Community College last fall.

Also in this week’s K-12 legislative update: Illinois looks to reimburse schools for the actual cost of free meals, while New Jersey and Washington consider expanding free meal access.

The meal debt problem is in lawmakers’ hands, says Dan Ellnor of Jefferson County Public Schools. School districts across the country have amassed more than $19 million in unpaid meal fees, according to a recent School Nutrition Association survey.

The district is launching drive-thus at two high schools to encourage students to dine with them instead of local fast-food joints.

The bill is intended to expand the hiring pool as labor shortages keep plaguing schools.

The All Foods Fit campaign will emphasize that there is no such thing as “good” or “bad” foods and will spotlight five components of why we eat.

Universal free meals legislative update: Iowa is the latest state to debut legislation seeking to provide free school meals to all students.

Action for Healthy Kids will get $47 million to manage the program, which is part of the USDA’s $100 million Healthy Meals Incentives initiative.

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