SMI: School Meals SMI: School Meals InitiativeInitiative

What is it and why is it important to me?What is it and why is it important to me?

Background

• SMI initiated after passage of the Healthy Meals for Healthy Americans Act of 1994.

• Requires meals under the NSLP and SBP meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Prior to SMI, meals just had to meet meal pattern.

SMI Nutrition Goals• Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA)

• ¼ RDA for appropriate age/grade group for breakfast for protein, calcium, iron, vitamins A and C

• 1/3 RDA for appropriate age/grade group for lunch for protein, calcium, iron, vitamins A and C

• Recommended Energy Allowances (calories)• Appropriate for age/grade group

• Dietary Guidelines for Americans• Eat a variety of foods• Limit total fat to <30% of calories• Limit saturated fat to <10% of calories• Choose a diet low in cholesterol• Choose a diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits, and grain

products• Choose a diet moderate in salt and sodium

• SMI did not set specific levels for sodium, cholesterol and fiber. They are set by state agency. The following applies to Oregon:• Sodium-1200mg• Cholesterol-100mg• Fiber 1g/100 calories

Why are Healthy Meals Important?• Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions!• The percentage of children who are overweight has more

than doubled since 1970 and the percentage amount for adolescents has tripled.

• Overweight children are at great risk for psychological disorders such as decreased self-esteem and depression.

• Overweight children and adolescents are more likely to become obese adults, increasing their risk for chronic diseases later in life.

• Type 2 diabetes has skyrocketed among children and adolescents over the past decade. Obesity is also associated with increased rates of high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Let’s plan a healthy menu Let’s plan a healthy menu that works towards SMI that works towards SMI

goals!goals!

So what do I send to the state?

Food Based vs. Nutrient Standard

NO!

YES!

• We can be a part of the solution• Schools influence students eating and

physical activity patterns• Providing healthy food choices in a

positive school nutrition environment= success

• Your role should be to have healthy food choices available for students so that the school cafeteria becomes a learning environment for nutrition education

Schools Can Make A Difference

Show off your program!

Apply for:

•USDA HealthierUS School Challenge http://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/HealthierUS/index.html•Oregon School Wellness Award http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=3016•Alliance for a Healthier Generation http://www.healthiergeneration.org/