3.29.13 Voice your support for robust implementation of the water provision in USDA’s Smart Snacks in Schools proposed rule. USDA recently proposed science-based nutrition standards for snack foods and beverages sold in vending machines, school stores and cafeteria a la carte lines. Included in the rule is also a provision to increase students’access to free, palatable drinking water during meal times.
Access to free, clean drinking water in schools is important since children spend much of their time there. A recent study, however, revealed that while schools reported offering free drinking water in at least one location on campus, one in four schools reported no such access where meals are served despite new state (SB 1413) and federal requirements (Section 203, Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act).
Help improve the school food and beverage environment in schools across the nation. Voice your support for the increased availability of free drinking water in schools – a healthy, low cost, zero calorie beverage option for students.
View CFPA’s comments on making water more accessible. PDF
The major lessons learned from CFPA’s work to increase water consumption in schools are that 1) multiple strategies are needed, given the myriad features of each school, and 2) no single definition of compliance is universally applicable.
While USDA provided guidance to State Agencies in 2011 to explain the water provision of the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act, additional clarity is needed to strengthen implementation with the letter and spirit of this provision. CFPA encourages USDA to set guidance on how school administrators and state agencies can assess the availability of free drinking water sources on school campuses.
How Do I Submit a Comment?
There are several ways to submit a comment. Once you have your comment ready, you can:
- Visit Regulations.gov. link
- Fill out the required fields and type your comment or upload load it if you saved it on a Word Doc or PDF.
- Hit submit and voilà , you’re done!
or you can use Prevent Obesity’s model comment letter and adapt it to incorporate your thoughts:
- Visit Prevent Obesity. link
- Add your point of view to the model comment letter.
- Click on the “send your message” button and that’s all!
April 9, 2013 is your last day to submit a comment! For more information, please contact Ariana Oliva at 213-482-8200 x203.
