School lunch Labeling and Nutritional Awareness Pilot Program

Section 18 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1769) is amended by adding at the end the following—

(j)

School lunch Labeling and Nutritional Awareness Pilot Program

(1)

In general

Subject to the availability of funds under paragraph (7), the Secretary shall award grants to not more than 10 States to assist not more than 10 schools in each of such States in carrying out a pilot program in accordance with paragraph (5) that requires schools— (A)to post nutritional content information in school cafeterias regarding the food items served in the cafeterias; and (B)to teach students about how to make healthy food selections. (2)

Grant amounts

The Secretary shall ensure that each grant awarded is of sufficient size and scope to carry out the pilot program described in this subsection. (3)

Duration of Grants

The Secretary may award grants for multiple years to States that meet the grant requirements described in paragraph (4). (4)

Grant Requirements

To qualify to receive a grant under this subsection, a State shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information and assurances as the Secretary may require, including— (A)an assurance that the State will ensure that each school awarded a subgrant under this subsection meets the pilot program requirements described in paragraph (5) within 1 year of such subgrant award; (B)a plan to inform all the schools within the State about the pilot program and the school application requirements described in paragraph (5); (C)an assurance that the State will use not less than 95 percent of the grant funds to award subgrants to schools in accordance with this subsection; (D)an assurance that the State will award such subgrants to at least 3, but not more than 5, schools in such State that have in effect at the date of the enactment of this subsection a program to provide nutritional content information regarding food items served in the cafeterias of such schools to students attending such schools; and (E)an assurance that the State will award such subgrants to at least 3, but not more than 5, schools that are located in the rural areas of such State. (5)

Subgrant Requirements

To qualify to receive a subgrant under this subsection, a school shall submit an application to a State receiving a grant under this subsection at such time, in such manner, and containing such information and assurances as the Secretary may require, including— (A)a plan for implementing the pilot program, including— (i)efforts to ensure that nutritional content information, including caloric information, regarding the food items served in the school’s cafeteria is posted in a visible location at the point of decision in the cafeteria and that such information is readable and appropriate for the students who attend the school and the parents or legal guardians of such students; (ii)efforts to develop and implement, or expand a school wellness program or other nutritional awareness program in effect at the date of enactment of this subsection to include an educational program to teach students at the school about making healthy food selections; and (iii)efforts to consult with a licensed nutritionist, registered dietitian, school nutrition specialist, or professional with similar qualifications at least once a year regarding the pilot program requirements described in clauses (i) and (ii) and any related nutritional matters; (B)a certification of support for participation in the pilot program signed by the school food manager, school nurse, school principal, and district superintendent (or equivalent positions, as determined by the school); and (C)whether the school plans to post the nutritional content information described in subparagraph (A)(i) on the school’s website. (6)

Guidance; Encouragement

(A)

Guidance

The Secretary shall provide guidance to the States and schools receiving grants or subgrants under this subsection to assist such States and schools in meeting the requirements of this subsection. (B)

Encouragement

The Secretary shall encourage schools receiving subgrants under this subsection to post the nutritional content information, including caloric information, regarding food items served at the school on the school’s website. (7)

Reports

(A)Each State receiving grant funds under this subsection shall submit a report at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (B)Not later than 1 year after the effective date of this subsection and every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit a report to the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry of the Senate that contains— (i)the number of schools receiving subgrants under this subsection; and (ii)a detailed description of the status of the pilot program carried out by each school under this subsection, including a list of program accomplishments and challenges, and an evaluation of the effectiveness of the program, in each school. (8)

Authorization of Appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such funds as necessary to carry out this subsection. (9)

Definitions

In this subsection: (A)

Licensed nutritionist

The term licensed nutritionist means any person who meets the educational and training requirements under applicable State law and the credentialing requirements of the applicable professional association, if any, to become a licensed nutritionist. (B)

Registered dietitian

The term registered dietitian means any person who meets the educational and training requirements to become credentialed as a registered dietitian by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. (C)

School nutrition specialist

The term school nutrition specialist means any person who meets the educational and training requirements to become credentialed as a school nutrition specialist by the School Nutrition Association.