State Board of Eduation proposes new nutrition, physical activity standards

The State Board of Education today advanced proposed student nutrition and physical activity standards, according to a state BOE news release.
“Today’s schoolchildren are part of what may be the first generation with a shorter life expectancy than its predecessor’s,” said State Board Chair Joe Torsella said in the release. “Getting junk foods out of our schools - and getting healthier food options and 30 minutes of daily physical activity into them - are simple steps that can have a tremendous impact for our young people.”
The Board’s regulations would set baseline nutritional standards for foods provided outside reimbursable school meals, including items dispensed from school vending machines and sold through fundraisers.
Torsella said that the regulation takes a “common sense” approach by exempting homemade and home-baked goods from the requirements while providing schools with “important flexibility to ensure successful integration of the standards with local food service programs.”
“These comprehensive standards will not only curb childhood obesity but are good for all students to ensure they get the proper nutrition and enough exercise to develop strong bones, healthy hearts and sharp minds,” said Secretary of Health Everette James. “Schools play a crucial role in the health of our children.”
The regulation also requires 30 minutes of daily physical activity for every student, while giving schools broad discretion in implementation. Students could satisfy requirements through physical education classes, recess, classroom “energizers” or curriculum-based physical activity.
“The research is clear: young people need at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day,” said Torsella. “With children spending nearly one-third to one-half of their waking hours in school each day, we have an obligation to meet them halfway on a critical public health goal.”