HB0222S03 | Start Smart Utah Breakfast Program

Description
General Description: 

This bill creates the Start Smart Utah Program to expand access to school breakfast in public schools.

Bill Details
Year: 
2020
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 24, 2020
Sponsor
Representative
Republican - District 3
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

According to the Food Research & Action Center, research shows that a "well-nourished child who starts the day with breakfast is more likely to be at school, a better learner, and willing to participate in the classroom." This bill requires that a school who participates in the National School Lunch Program shall also participate in the School Breakfast Program and outlines a schedule for when schools will be required to use an alternative breakfast service style if needed.

Commission: 
Health
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

HEA 2017-1 Nutrition and Exercise

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations promote school breakfast and lunch programs, physical activity in academic classes, recess for elementary school students, and physical education for all students;

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

4. Support safe practices and environments for all children.

7. Support legislation, funding, and community partnerships that provide programs and resources to strengthen families and children’s social and emotional well being through affordable housing, homelessness initiatives, education, and parenting skills, and juvenile justice reforms.

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

National Position Statement Nutrition for Children and Families
The National PTA recognizes good nutrition as a key component in creating healthy and productive individuals. Ongoing study in the field of nutrition provides the public with constantly changing information on what constitutes a healthy diet, which can be confusing. In order to ensure that children and families have current and accurate information concerning nutrition and health the National PTA supports:
food service programs that promote the well-being of students by serving good nutritious meals year round; contribute to nutrition education; and reflect the diversity of the community. Local PTAs should be involved in monitoring and evaluating school meal programs to ensure high quality nutrition for children and youth in accordance with the guidelines recommended by the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, and the United States Department of Agriculture;

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

Reauthorize the Child Nutrition Act One in six adolescents are obese, while one in five face hunger daily. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA) is a critical piece of legislation that improves nutrition standards in our nation’s schools. Reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act must:
✓ Boost child health by including robust school meal requirements on milk, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, calorie limits, and limits on sugar and sodium
✓ Require schools to make nutrition information more readily available and enhance opportunities for parents to participate in the development of local school wellness policies
 ✓ Ensure low-income and at-risk youth have access to school meals programs
 ✓ Deliver technical assistance and resources to schools that are not meeting the nutrition standards
 ✓ Provide federal grants and loan assistance for schools to improve kitchen infrastructure and equipment