JHB, I don't have any problem with the cafeteria regulations, I just believe it has become overly strict on outside food concerning parties, etc. I agree the cafeteria should be closely regulated.I just don't think the celebrations or rewards should be regulated so harshly.
Check out the thread "Need Suggestions Due to State Regulations" under "Fundraising"--someone has freshened an older post concerning this issue. Maybe you can find what you're looking for there.
Michelle B, Here's a summary (but this is only for Texas)
Note - "competetive foods" mean foods sold outside the lunch/food service operations (vending machines, bake sales, snack sales, et.c)
Elementary Schools
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No Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value (FMNV) or candy at any time</font>
No competitive foods at any time</font>
French fries may not exceed 3 ounces per serving, may only be served once a week, and students may only purchase one serving at a time</font>
Middle and Junior High Schools
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No FMNVs or candy until after last lunch period</font>
No competitive foods during meal times</font>
French fries may not exceed 3 ounces per serving, may only be served three times a week, and students may only purchase one serving at a time</font>
High Schools
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No FMNVs during meal times in areas where reimbursable meals are served and/or consumed</font>
No competitive foods during meal times in areas where reimbursable meals are served and/or consumed</font>
New contracts starting March 3, 2004 and contract renewals must expressly prohibit the sale of sugared, carbonated beverages in containers larger than 12 ounces</font>
No more than 30 percent of the beverages available in vending machines be sugared, carbonated soft drinks by 2005-06 school year
French fries may not exceed 3 ounces per serving, and students may only purchase one serving at a time</font>
All Grade Levels
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Should eliminate deep-fat frying as method of onsite preparation</font>
Portion size restrictions on chips, certain snacks and sweets, milk and fruit drinks</font>
Limits on fats and sugar per serving</font>
Fruits and vegetables should be offered daily on all points of service</font>
Must offer two percent, one percent or skim milk at all points where milk is served</font>
Beginning with the 2005-06 school year, should include a request for trans fat information in all product specifications and, by 2007-08, reduce the purchase of any products containing trans fats</font>
All fruit and/or vegetable juices should contain 100 percent real fruit and/or vegetable juices by the 2006-07 school year</font>
mom1967 - just curious but what parts are you unhappy with? For myself, I think some of it will be unduly restrictive - all but outlawing bake sales, pizza parties, etc. But most of it's great - cutting back on sugar, fats; empasizing use of fresh vegetables and fruits, limiting portion size on things like french fries, reducing fried foods, etc.
Because I have an issue with school lunch nutrition as a whole, I'd like to know what the new restrictions are. This is an issue that I plan to work on not only locally at my own district but further. My child had the choice of Pizza for lunch 18 out of 30 days and lunches are not prepared on site but rather all of it is "fast food' of some kind, burritos, pizza, hot dogs etc. that is shipped into the schools. No wonder our children are having an obesity problem!
