Nutrition

THE REDUCING FEDERAL MANDATES ON SCHOOL LUNCH ACT

The following questions was posed to Trustee Ann Williams from NSBA Legislative Highlights 12/12/2014, in an effort to garner U.S. Representative support to pass bills impacting student nutrition.
QUESTION:
Do you support (H.R. 3663) LEGISLATION: THE REDUCING FEDERAL MANDATES ON SCHOOL LUNCH ACT allowing flexibility for school districts under some child nutrition standards included in the bill. States may grant an exemption to the whole grain requirement through the 2015 – 2015 academic year to districts that demonstrate hardship in procuring compliant products.  The bill also postpones sodium reduction targets until there is research validating the targets for children.
 RESPONSE: 
I FULLY SUPPORT funding with (NSLP) that will enhance children learning; that is being able to learn without  hunger. Most importantly, I support healthy choice and opportunity that will not cause greater impact on future healthcare issues. 
 
While there may be challenges in school districts to meet whole grain requirements, I am gravely concerned about postponing sodium reduction targets. Within my own zip code (77072) there are nearly 5000 children under the age of 5 and over 12,000 who are school age and to further delay in actions or impediments to the National School Lunch program will greatly impact students within the Alief community who on most occasions receive their most nutritious OR single meal through our school district.

BREAKFAST FACTS AND IT’S IMPACT ON EDUCATION

kids eating breakfastBreakfast is frequently portrayed as the most vital feast of the day, and legitimately so – it not only provides essential every day supplements, for example, protein, fiber, and calcium, but is becoming a key component to enhancing student success. While we may name it breakfast as the feast, meal or snack. The truth is for many of our students it is one of two meals that most students receive each day.

A close review of the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) reveal several findings that are of great concern for me as I work to ensure ALL students have an equal playing field for learning

  • Children experiencing hunger have lower math scores and are more likely to repeat a grade.
  • Children experiencing hunger are more likely to be hyperactive, absent and tardy, in addition to having behavioral and attention problems more often than other children.
  • Teens experiencing hunger are more likely to have been suspended from school
    and have difficulty getting along with other children.

Students who eat a low-glycemic, balanced breakfast may have better concentration and more positive reactions to difficult tasks than students who eat a carbohydrate-laden breakfast. According to research published in “Physiology and Behavior,” students given a low-glycemic breakfast were able to sustain attention longer than children given a high-glycemic breakfast. Children following the low-glycemic breakfast plan also had improved memory and fewer signs of frustration when working on school tasks. Try old-fashioned oatmeal with a handful of walnuts or some scrambled eggs with spinach, peppers and a sprinkle of cheese are simple remedies that could open possibilities to children.

If the consumption of breakfast can enhance cognitive abilities, reduce test taking anxieities and yield a sense of accomplishment in young students, then it would seem logical for school districts to expand their interest in school breakfast projects. FARC research also support the findings that students who are provided this meal fundamentally produce higher math scores than those children who skipped breakfast or occasionally consumed breakfast.

On the off chance that your youngster feels drained or experiences issues concentrating amid the day, consider adding breakfast to his or her schedule. Better yet check with your local school district to share your position on Universal breakfast or lunch for your child.