Students need more than just "any" lunch or breakfast to do well in school--the "quality" of these meals counts also. Studies have demonstrated the role healthy diets can play in students' academic achievement. That's why President Obama signed into law the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act in December 2010. This historic legislation provides free…

School nutrition directors face challenges on many fronts, from changing nutrition standards to addressing community interest in sustainability and local food sourcing. Programs are constantly changing to meet these new demands. How does a school business administrator know which changes will affect his/her school nutrition program positively? The…

Studies have substantiated the link between proper nutrition and success in the classroom and beyond. Research has also found that eating breakfast is associated with improved classroom behavior and higher math, reading, and standardized test scores. Manatee County, Florida offers free breakfast to all students in 14 schools. Many students arrive…

A staff member of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service summarizes the history, cost, and benefits of the federal school nutrition programs and explains that schools must now verify information on a small sample of applications for free and reduced-price meals. (MLF)

The American School Food Service Association has two recognition programs: the recently revised School Foodservice and Nutrition Certification Program and the new School Foodservice and Nutrition Specialist Credentialing Program. The credentialing program was created to enhance school food-service professionals' image and improve their management…

Despite a favorable nationwide evaluation of school nutrition programs, budget cuts have forced 3,000 schools to shut down their lunch programs. The American School Food Service Association has organized an effective campaign to forestall additional cuts and reestablish program support. (MLF)

Because schools are entrusted with children's safety, any crisis (particularly food poisoning) affecting that inviolable trust is fodder for a ravenous media. Proactive school business officials and food-service personnel work together to publicize the school nutrition department's good work. Communicating clearly and assigning a food-service…

Contract food management can contain food costs and, with the contractor's team of food service professionals, provide creative programs that teach nutrition and add interest to school meals. (MLF)

Two school districts, one in Pennsylvania and the other in Minnesota, shaped the future of their school food-service and nutrition departments. Leaders in both districts used the strategic planning process as a tool to develop a shared vision, a clear identity, and a commitment to achieving success. (MLF)

Nutrition integrity ensures that all foods available in schools for children are consistent with recommended dietary allowances and contribute to the development of lifelong, healthy eating habits. Attaining nutrition integrity is the goal of numerous changes in National School Lunch and Breakfast Program regulations. Outlines new federal…

Describes the Nutrition Education Program developed for kindergarten classes by the Norfolk (Virginia) Public Schools. (JG)

Summarizes research on relationship between physical activity, good nutrition, and academic performance. Offers several recommendations for how schools can take action to improve the nutrition and fitness of students. (PKP)

Examines ways of dealing with the growing financial crisis in school food service programs caused by recent cuts in the Child Nutrition Act. (MLF)

A new nutrition education program in California is targeted at students, parents, and school food service personnel. (Author/MLF)

The first of three articles covering child nutrition programs discusses how these programs can be integrated into the school environment through effective management and public relations. (MLF)