Keeping Kids and School Foods Healthy

Kristy Anderson, MPPSenior Government Relations Advisor

American Heart Association

Child Nutrition Programs

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National School Lunch ProgramSchool Breakfast ProgramSmart SnacksTeam NutritionCommunity Eligibility Program (CEP)Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP)Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for

Women, Infants and Children (WIC)Child and Adult Care Feeding Program (CACFP)School Kitchen Equipment GrantsSummer FeedingFarm to School

Why School Meals?

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The National School Lunch Program is a $15 billion federal program

29 million+ children get school lunches

14 million+ participate in the breakfast program

Many children get 50% or more of their daily calories in schools

A Brief History of School Meals

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The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act

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The Opposition Begins

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Schools are losing money

Schools are dropping out

Kids dislike the healthy food

Kids aren’t getting enough calories

Fewer kids are participating

Kids are just throwing the food away

The updated standards are too difficult to implement

2015 Reauthorization Attempt

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Current Landscape: Sodium

890% of children consume too much sodium

Current Landscape: Whole Grains

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Threats: Milk

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Threats: Smart Snacks

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Reauthorization Status

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Kristy AndersonKristy.Anderson@heart.org