Friday, September 9th 2016
More school cafeterias are using strategies to increase consumption of fruits, vegetables and other healthy choices, while expanding student access to school meals through government programs such as the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), according to a new national survey of school meal program operators. The findings are part of the School Nutrition Association (SNA)'s “School Nutrition Operations Report: The State of School Nutrition 2016,” based on survey responses from nearly 1,000 school nutrition directors nationwide. The survey found that since 2014, when the majority of updated nutrition standards for school meals were in effect, more school meal programs have launched initiatives to market healthier school food choices and increase their appeal among students. The survey also revealed these initiatives are being considered or planned in 15 percent to 24 percent of additional districts. School districts are also offering a wider variety of choices to appeal to diverse student tastes and dietary needs or preferences. Two-thirds of districts now offer salad or produce bars, up from 63 percent in 2014, the survey found, and 57 percent are providing locally sourced fruits and vegetables, up from 52 percent. Additionally, meal programs are making it easier for parents and students to learn about menu options and to manage school meal payments. Almost 82 percent of districts say they are offering parents the option of paying for meals online. The survey also tracked the expanded use of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which allows eligible schools serving predominately low income students to offer all students free school breakfast and lunch without an application. More than 24 percent of respondents reported using CEP, which was first piloted in 2011 and available to all eligible schools nationwide in the 2014/15 school year.