Food and Nutrition Service, Rules

Historic, Archive Document

Do not assume content reflects current scientific knowledge, policies, or practices.

Rxxa NatiitiDn December1979 Volume 9 Numbers m

This iss^e includes eight pages^of questioras and answers jDn fo(i2t: stamps. ^^Qtt'll find informatioa."j)n: who is sti^fele; how people apply for, get,*-^d use stamps; work registration; and participants' rights and responsibilities. Page 2

A several-part feature takes a look at the Nutrition Education and Training Program. The program provides funds for teaching children, teachers, and school food service people about food and its to health. Page 10 Nutrition Education and Training importance Developing a State Plan Page 12 ipiii|| Teaching the People Who Teach the Kids Page 14

Teaching the Kids Page 16 Who is eUgible?

QWbat is tlie Food Stamp Other criteria are nonfinancial. Program? Food A person or group of people must A The Food Stamp Program is a qualify as a food stamp "house- nationwide program which hold," as defined by law. They must Stamps: helps low-income families buy the meet certain citizenship require- foods they need for good health. ments. Unemployed adults must The program is authorized by register to work unless they are Q&A's Congress, administered nationally exempted from this requirement. by the U.S. Department of Agricul- And students must meet certain ture's Food and Nutrition Service, rules. and run through State welfare 1 agencies and their local offices. Wliat is a food stamp Wlio is eUgible? Q "honseliold"? The law requires that eligibil- Wlio can get food stamps? A ^2 ity for food stamps be deter- 2 A Households with no income, mined on a household basis, since How do people apply for or with low incomes from it is common practice for persons • part-time work living and get food stamps? together to purchase food • low-paying jobs and prepare meals together. How- • public welfare ever, people who live together may • Social Security, not necessarily constitute a single 3 • small pensions or other low household for food stamp pur- How do people use fixed-income sources. poses. If one or more of them pur- food stamps? No one gets food stamps auto- chase and prepare their food sepa- matically. Every household in- rately, they may qualify as a sepa- terested in participating must rate household and may apply for apply and meet nationwide re- food stamps for themselves. quirements. People who receive Any adult household member What is tlie reg- work Supplemental Security Income can apply for food stamps, or may istration regnirement? (SSI) are not eligible for food authorize someone else to apply stamps in States which already for the household. The income, re- provide food stamp benefits in the sources, and deductible expenses 5 form of increased SSI pajrments. of all persons in each applicant What are participant's household will be counted to de- rights and responsi- QHow is eligibility deter- termine that household's eligibil- mined? ity for the Food Stamp Program. bilities? Local food stamp offices use A liave related uniform nationwide criteria QDo people to be to certify people for the Food to be a food stamp house- Stamp Program. Hold? To qualify, a household's income, A Most food stamp households after deductions, must be below a are families, but people do not certain level. And the household's have to be related to each other to resources must not exceed a cer- be a food stamp household. A tain amount. household can be: • a person who lives alone; • a person who lives with others, but usually buys food and prepares meals separately from the others; • a person who lives with others and pays them for meals; • a group of people who live to-

2 Food and Nutrition gether and "buy food and prepare QCan students get food the portion of the value which is meals together; stamps? over $4,500 counts as a resource. • a group of people who live with A Students can qualify for food others and pay them for meals. stamps if they meet the same QWliat resources are not With only a few exceptions, a eligibility rules as all other appli- counted? household cannot "be a person or cants, plus special work require- Resources not counted for group of people who live in a ments (explained on page 7), and A food stamp eligibility include: commercial boarding house or an a tax dependency test. Students • a home and lot; are enrolled institution. The exceptions in- age 18 and older who • any licensed vehicles used clude: residents of federally sub- at least half-time in an institution mainly to produce income, like sidized housing for the elderly; of higher education and who could taxis and certain trucks; of and narcotic addicts or alcoholics be claimed as tax dependents • life insurance policies; who live in treatment facilities. ineligible households cannot get • real estate that produces income food stamps. consistent with its fair market QMust houseliolds liave value; facilities? cooking QHow many assets, or re- • tools of a tradesman; and sources, can a houseliold • farm machinery. jAlNo. have? A By law, certain resources are QMust a person be a U.S. counted in figuring eligibility ^2 How mucli income can a citizen to participate? for the Food Stamp Program, and liouseliold have? U.S. citizens, permanent legal others are not. The law sets a limit To be eligible for food stamps, A on the amount of "countable" re- A aliens, and certain other legal a household's "net income," aliens may qualify. Aliens who are sources a household can have. after certain deductions, must fall in the United States on student Most households can have up to below the Federal poverty guide- visas do not qualify. Legal aJiens $1,750 in countable resources. The lines for that size household. If the must provide proof of their legal only exceptions are households of household's net income is more status from the Immigration and two or more people in which at than the Federal poverty guide- Naturalization Service. least one person is over age 60. lines, the household is not eligible. Even if some members of a These households can have up to To find a household's "net in- household do not meet this re- $3,000 in countable resources. come," a food stamp worker: quirement, those members who do 1. Adds all "countable'* income. may qualify for food stamps. By law, some income counts in ^2 Wliat counts as resources? figuring food stamp eligibility, and QWlio lias to register for Countable resources include some does not count. A house- A hold's total "countable" income is work? cash on hand and assets With certain exceptions, un- which can be easily converted to its "gross income." A cash, such as money in savings 2. Subtracts from gross income employed people who are re- physically and mentally fit and be- accounts, U.S. Savings Bonds, and allowable deductions. The tween the ages of 18 and 60 must stocks and bonds. They also in- sulting figure—gross income register for and accept suitable clude such other assets as build- minus deductions—is a house- emplojrment. Work registration ings and land—except for the fam- hold's net income. rules are explained in more detail ily home and lot. Vehicles, except The Federal poverty guidelines on page 7. The food stamp certifi- those used to produce income, are are set by the Office of Manage- cation worker will tell the house- evaluated for fair market value; ment and Budget and adjusted an- hold representative which mem- nually to reflect changes in the bers must register. cost of living. For the period July 1979-July 1980, the net income limit for a household with four people is $596 per month, or $7,150 per year. The net income limit for a one-person household is $306 per month, or $3,670 per year.

December 1979 3 payments from insurance refunds, leading to a job. Wliat is counted as income? and inheritances; Shelter costs include rent, mort- Countable income includes the • certain cash payments made by a gage payments (including interest A third party following: on behalf of the house- or other charges required for own- • wages; hold, such as rent paid by a third ership), utility payments, prop- • net earnings from self- party directly to the landlord; erty taxes, and the cost of insur- employment; • the cost of doing business, if ance on a home. Shelter costs can • public assistance; self-employed; also apply to homes not currently • retirement or disability benefits; • certain kinds of income excluded occupied because employment or • veterans', workmen's or unem- by law; disaster has temporarily made liv- ployment compensation; • certain reimbursements for ex- ing there impossible. • old age, survivors', or strike penses. Special medical and shelter de- benefits; ductions for tlie elderly and • support payments, or alimony QWliat deductions can be disabled. Certain households received; subtracted from gross in- with elderly or disabled people • scholarships, educational grants, come? qualify for special deductions. fellowships, or veterans' educa- Allowable deductions from Households qualify if they include tional benefits not used to pay tui- A at least one person who: gross income include: • is years old, or older, or tion and mandatory fees; A standard deduction. All 60 • • foster care payments for children households can subtract a stand- receives Supplemental Security or adults; (SSI), or ard amount from their total Income • dividends, interest, • receives disability payments and other monthly income. This amount is payments which benefit the adjusted twice a year to reflect under the Social Security Act if either: household. changes in the cost of living. For and the period January-July 1980, the • the elderly or disabled person QWliat kinds of income are standard deduction is $75. has medical expenses over $35 a not counted? An earned income deduction. month, or • the household has high shelter The following kinds of income Working households can also sub- A costs. are not counted for food tract 20 percent from their total Households which qualify can stamp eligibility: monthly earned income, to make subtract all shelter costs exceed- • earnings of a student under 18 up for taxes and other mandatory ing 50 percent of their adjusted who is attending school at least deductions, like Social Security. income. They can also subtract half-time and who is a household A deduction for actual depend- member; ent care and excess shelter medical costs exceeding $35 in- curred by the elderly or disabled • amounts paid for court-ordered costs. Households can subtract a person. Medical expenses which support or alimony payments; certain maximum for: actual de- are reimbursed by insurance • portions of educational loans, pendent care costs; shelter costs or government programs are not grants, scholarships, veterans' which take more than 50 percent deductible. educational benefits and the like of the household's income after all which are used for tuition and other deductions; or a combina- mandatory fees; tion of both. The amount of this • any income which is not in deduction cannot be more than a money, such as produce from a maximum set by law. garden; This maximum is adjusted an- • loans (except deferred repay- nually to reflect changes in the ment loans for other-than- cost of living. For the period July mandatory educational expenses); 1979-July 1980, the maximum is • one-time lump sum benefits like $90. Dependent care costs are what a household pays for someone to care for dependent children or disabled adults so that a person in the household can work, look for a job, or take a training course

4 Food and Nutrition How do people apply for and get food stamps?

QHow does a houseliold apply ing the household's application, fair hearing, explained in more de- for food stamps? and certifying certain informa- tail on page 8. A houseliold member— or an tion, a food stamp worker sends an A eligible household a notice and a adult representative named by QHow long can a household the household— contacts the local food stamp identification card. The receive food stamps before food stamp office, completes an notice explains how many stamps it must reapply? the household will get and how application form, and has an A household is given the long- interview with a food stamp long it can receive food stamps be- A est certification period possi- fore someone from the household worker. In most communities, the ble, based on the likelihood of must reapply. food stamp office is run by the changes in its circumstances. People do not qualify re- local welfare or social services de- who Most households are certified for 3 partment. ceive notices explaining why they months. Households with very were found ineligible. For the interview, applicants stable circumstances can be cer- should bring papers that show: tified for up to 12 months. House- (1) how much income they have; QHow soon can liouseliolds holds whose circumstances are and (2) how much they pay for get tlieir food stamps? likely to change soon are certified such expenses as rent, utilities, Under Federal regulations, the for 1 or 2 months. care. A and dependent Households food stamp office must either eligible for the special medical de- approve or deny an application Q¥niat is a household's food duction should also bring proof of within 30 days of receiving it. Eli- stamp "allotment"? medical costs. gible applicants must be able to A household's allotment is the Examples of the kinds of papers get their food stamps within 30 A total amount of stamps the applicants should bring include: days of the date they submitted household gets each month. The rent receipts; mortgage payment their applications, provided they amount of stamps each household stubs; property tax receipts; util- cooperated with the agency in receives is based on the number of ity (electricity, water, gas, tele- processing the apphcation. House- people in the household and the phone) bill receipts; bank books or holds with little or no money amount of net monthly income the other papers which show savings; may qualify for faster service. household has after certain deduc- and proof of expenses, such as re- tions have been subtracted. All ceipts for the dependent care pay- QHow are food stamps households of the same size and ments necessary for household issued? with the same net income, after members to work. Food stamps are issued to deductions, get the same amount The food stamp worker will ex- A households by several differ- of food stamps. plain who must register for work. ent methods. The food stamp The maximum amount of food worker will explain to the house- stamps a household can receive is if QWliat applicants can't get hold representative the method equal to the cost of an economical to tlie food office? stamp used by the local office. model food plan adjusted for dif- A Applicants who are age 65 ferent household sizes. As net and older or disabled can ask QWliat can people do if tliey monthly income rises, the amount the office to arrange a home or disagree witli tlie food of the household's allotment is re- telephone interview, if they cannot stamp office's decision? duced. In other words, as income go to the office or get someone to goes up, benefits go down. How- People should tell the food go for them. Other people who ever, all eligible households re- stamp office if they think cannot get to the office and who ceive at least a al- their applications have been $10 monthly have no one to go for them may lotment. wrongly denied, if they think they qualify for a home or telephone have been assigned an incorrect Food stamp allotments are ad- interview, too. justed every January and July to amount of food stamps, or if they allow for changes in food costs. believe the food stamp office has QHow do liouseliolds find out not followed other program rules. if they qualify for food If the office does not agree, appli- QIs there any cost for food stamps? cants or participants can ask for a stamps? A After interviewing a house- No. Food stamps are issued at hold representative, review- A no charge to certified households.

December 1979 5 How do people use food stamps?

QHow do participants use to accept food stamps for meals QHow do meal delivery serv- food stamps? served to Supplemental Security ices or communal dining Any responsible household Income recipients and elderly food programs identify food stamp A member—or a representative stamp participants and their participants? named by the household— can use spouses. A The food stamp office gives food stamps like money to buy food each household with one or at authorized food stores. QWhat are meal delivery more members eligible to use food Participants can use stamps to services and communal stamps for delivered meals a reg- buy almost any food, or seeds and dining facilities? ular food stamp identification card plants to grow food for the house- Meal delivery services and marked with the letter "M". Iden- hold's own use. They cannot use A tification cards for recipients eli- communal dining facilities food stamps for: alcoholic bever- serve meals to low- and moderate- gible to use stamps at a communal ages; tobacco or cigarettes; house- income elderly, and physically and dining center may be marked with hold supplies, soaps and paper mentally handicapped people. the letters "CD." products; vitamins and medicines; Meal delivery services deliver or any other nonfood items. They prepared meals to the home. QMust all of the food stamp cannot use food stamps for food Communal dining facilities are allotment he spent for de- that will be eaten in the store; hot central eating places in some livered meals or communal foods that are ready to eat, like senior citizen centers, federally dining? barbecued chicken; or pet foods. subsidized housing complexes, No. It can also be used to buy buildings, and certain A apartment eligible foods in a retail food QDo participants get cash restaurants. These facilities pre- store authorized to accept food cliange for food stamps pare and serve meals to elderly stamps. when they make a food pur- people or SSI recipients and their chase? spouses. Food stamp shoppers get a $1 The U.S. Department of Agricul- A ture authorizes some meal deliv- food stamp coupon back for every $1 in change due. For ery services and communal dining amounts of 99 cents or less, they facilities to accept food stamps for receive cash change. prepared meals.

Q Where can food stamps he QWho may use food stamps used? for meal delivery services or communal dining? Most food stores are au- A Supplemental Security Income thorized to accept food A stamps. In addition, some non- recipients and people 60 years older (and their profit meal delivery services, old and spouses) use food stamps to pay for communal dining facilities, and may dining certain restaurants are authorized meals at communal facilities. Elderly, mentally and physically handicapped, and other people who cannot adequately prepare all of their meals may use stamps to pay for meal delivery services. In both instances, the food stamp participant must also meet the requirements for participating in these special meal programs, and the meal delivery service or communal dining facility must be authorized to accept food stamps.

6 Food and Nutrition Wliat is tlie work registration reguirement?

QWliat is tlie work registra- ing the school year, unless they QWliere do liouseliold mem- tion requirement? are exempted for reasons ex- bers register for work? For a tLousetLold to be eligible plained below. And, during school They register at the local food A vacations exceeding 30 days, they A for food stamps, members wbo stamp office when they apply are physically and mentally fit be- must register for full-time work. for food stamps and then every 6 tween tbe ages of 18 and 60 must Institutions of higher education months after that. register for and accept suitable are any institutions providing post-high school education, in- employment. There are certain ex- QWliat happens after house- cluding universities, voc- ceptions to the work registration colleges, hold members have regis- requirement, and there are special ational and technical schools, and tered? rules for students. others. They must report to the State During the regular school year, A employment service when tlie students enrolled at least halftime QWliat are exceptions to they are asked to, respond to State in an institution of higher educa- tlie work registration re- employment service requests for tion must register for 20 hours of quirement? additional information, and accept work per week unless they are: Exceptions to the work regis- and continue suitable employ- A • employed for a minimum of 20 tration requirement include: ment. hours per week or participating in • a household member who is re- a federally financed work-study sponsible for the care of a disabled program; QWhat if a household adult; • employed less than 20 hours per member doesn't comply? • a single parent or caretaker of a week but earning an amount at If a student does not meet the dependent child under age 12; or A least equal to the Federal min- school year work require- • a parent or caretaker of a de- imum wage multiplied by 20; ments, the individual student will pendent child under age 18 in a • of households with one or be disqualified for 2 months, or household where another parent heads more people to whom the student until he or she complies or be- is working or registered for work; supplies more than one-half their comes exempt. • people who are working at least total support; If any other household member 30 hours per week or earning • otherwise exempt. doesn't comply with work regis- weekly at least the Federal Examples of students exempt tration requirements, the entire minimum wage multiplied by 30; from this provisions are high household will be ineligible for 2 • physically or mentally disabled schools students over age 18 and months, or until the member com- people; college students who are disabled. plies or becomes exempt. • people under age 18 or over age 60; decides the suitability • participants in drug or alcoholic QAre strikers or workers af- Q¥nio rehabilitation programs; fected by lockouts required of a Job offer? to register? • certain students. A The food stamp certification At the time of initial certifica- Yes. Strikers must also meet staff uses U.S. Department of A Agriculture criteria to decide if the tion, recertification, or change in all other eligibility require- employment status, the food stamp ments before they can receive food work is suitable. worker determines which mem- stamps. bers of the household must regis- What Jobs are not consid- ter for work. Q ered suitable? A A job is not "suitable" unless QWliat are tlie special work the wages equal the Federal rules for students? minimum wage, the State min- Students, age 18 through 59, imum wage, or 80 percent of the A Federal minimum wage if no enrolled at least halftime in wage any recognized school, training standard applies to the job. If the program or institution of higher education are exempt from regis- tering for full-time emplo3nnaent. However, students must register for 20 hours of work per week dur-

December 1979 7 Wliat are participants' rights and responsibilities?

job pays on a piece rate basis, the QWhat rights do food stamp to request one. Hearing proce- expected hourly yield must meet applicants and participants dures are published by the State the Federal minimum hourly wage have? agency and are available at the standards. Food stamp applicants and food stamp office. Employment is also consid- A The household, or a act- not participants have the right to: person ered suitable if: • receive an application the same ing for it, such as a friend, relative, • as a condition of employment, day they ask for it; or legal representative, can ask the registrant must join, resign • have their applications accepted the food stamp office staff for a from, or refrain from joining any immediately; hearing either orally or in writing. legitimate labor organization; • have an adult who knows the The State agency must help the • the job site is subject to a strike households' circumstances apply household make out its request or lockout at the time of the offer, for them, if they cannot get to the and prepare its case. If legal serv- unless the strike has been forbid- food stamp office themselves; ices are available in the commu- den by law; nity, the State agency directs the • have a home visit or a telephone • there is to an unreasonable degree interview if they are 65 or older or household them. of risk to the registrant's health are disabled and cannot get to the In some cases, households that and safety; food stamp office or find someone have been notified that their bene- • the registrant is not physically to go for them; fits will be reduced can continue to or mentally fit to receive their food do the work; • get their food stamps within 30 stamps without • the work is not in the regis- days after they apply, if they are a change until the fair hearing is trant's major field of experience, eligible; decided. unless after 30 days from registra- • get food stamps within a few tion, the registrant has not re- days, if they are in immediate need QWhat rights does a house- ceived a job offer in that field. and qualify for faster service; hold have when presenting • receive fair treatment regardless a case? QCan an applicant refuse a of age, sex, race, color, handicap, A hearing is an opportunity Ob tliat tlie food stamp origin, A J religious creed, national or for a household to present ar- staff considers suitable? political beliefs; guments and evidence in its own The applicant can request a • be notified in advance (usually behalf The head of the household A if fair hearing to decide whether 10 days in advance) the food or a representative has the right the job is suitable. The food stamp stamp office is going to reduce or to examine all documents and rec- office must grant the request if it end their benefits; ords which might be used at the is made within 90 days from the • examine their own case files and hearing, bring witnesses, submit date the applicant is told of the a copy of the food stamp rules; evidence establishing pertinent position. • have a fair hearing if they dis- facts, and question or refute any agree with any action taken in testimony or evidence. Wliat happens if a food their case. stamp applicant lias guit QWho makes the decision at SII s or her most recent job? a fair hearing? What is a fair hearing? A If the primary wage earner of Q A The State agency designates a a household has quit a job A The law gives all households hearing authority to make the within 60 days before applying, the right to take their case to final administrative decision. The without good cause as defined by an impartial hearing authority if authority may be the highest Federal regulations, the entire they disagree with any action executive officer of the State wel- household will be barred from par- taken on the case. fare agency, a panel of officials ticipating in the Food Stamp Pro- gram for 2 months. QHow does a household get a fair hearing? A When a household applies for food stamps, the food stamp worker informs the household of its right to a fair hearing and how

8 Food and Nutrition from that agency, or a person wlio order to qualify for food stamps; has "been appointed expressly for • not make any changes in any the purpose and has not partici- food stamp cards or documents; pated in the action being appealed. • not sell, trade, or give away their The decision of the hearing au- food stamps, or any food stamp thority is "based exclusively on a cards or documents. review of the hearing record. QAre there penalties for not QWhen and wliere is tlie following these rules? hearing lield? A Yes. People who break these A The State food stamp agency is rules may be disqualified from responsible for setting the the program, fined, imprisoned, or time, date, and place of a hearing all three. so that it is accessible to the household. QWhen, where and how shoxQd changes in house- QHow long does it take to get hold circumstances be re- final action on a liearing? ported? A The state agency must take A The head of the household or final action within 60 days of authorized representative the date the household requested must report: the hearing. The hearing authority • all changes in income of more notifies the household in writing than $25; of the decision, and of any right • changes in the number of house- the household has for further re- hold members; view. • changes in residence and the re- If the hearing authority finds sulting shelter costs; that the household is entitled to • the acquisition of a nonexcluded benefits it had been denied, the licensed vehicle or of liquid re- household will receive them sources that put the household's within 10 days after being notified resources over the eligiblity limit. of the hearing decision. Changes must be reported to the food stamp office by mail, tele- QWbat rules must house- phone or in person within 10 days holds follow? of the date of the change. by Devra S. Massey A Members of food stamp households must answer all questions completely and honestly when they apply for food stamps. They must also: • provide proof that they are eligible; • report promptly to the food stamp office certain changes in their household's circimistances; • use food stamps only to buy eligible items; • not put their money or posses- sions in someone else's name in

December 1979 Eat your vegetables, they're good for you." "No sweets before mealtime for growing boys and girls. " We've all heard or even spoken these ad- monishments at one time or another. But Audrey Maretzki, director of a national program designed to teach children the importance of good food, believes this is the wrong approach for schools to take. November 1977 amendments to childl "Children are tired of adults nutrition legislation contained in Pub- preaching to them about what they lic Law 95-166, it has as one of its should and shouldn't eat," she said. main goals building a stronger link "We need to give children tools that between the cafeteria and the class- will enable them to determine what room. foods are good for them, and we funds for developing nutrition educa- School food services, Maretzki need to give them the opportunity to tion activities and materials for chil- said, offer schools the opportunity to practice using these tools." dren. It also provides funds for train- The program Maretzki heads — the ing the people who teach and feed Nutrition Education and Training Pro- children — teachers and school food gram, or NET— is designed to do just service personnel. that. Administered by USDA's Food and Nutrition Service, NET provides States get grants Through NET, States get funds in the form of grants to State educational agencies. In 1978 and 1979, the amount of each State's grant was based on a formula of 50 cents for each child enrolled in public or non- profit private schools and institutions. No State, however, received less than $75,000. To qualify for a grant, a State education agency hires an NET coordinator, who assesses the need make learning about food a total edu- for nutrition education and training, cational experience for children. To and proposes a "plan of action." help schools improve their food serv- As Maretzki explained, NET is ices, NET activities include manage- closely tied to the school breakfast ment training for cafeteria managers and lunch programs. Created by the and their staffs.

Activities underway NET activities are well underway in many States. For example: Using NET funds. States are help-i ing schools and child care centers ] develop imaginative projects which '| explore ways to get children interested and involved in learning about food. Approaches run the gamut from "hands on" cooking ex-

10 Food and Nutrition vegetables, Eat your for they're good sweets you." "No before mealtime WeVe boys and gjNs. ITgrowing aa even spoken these all heard or time or another. monishments at one director of a Tut Audrey Maretzki, designed to teach national program of good food, children the importance wrong approach believes this is the November 1977 school administrators, for instance. take. amendments preschoolers to peer- plementation of NET in several for schools to tn .h, perience for com- nutrition legislation Activities focus on reaching tired of adults contained teenagers are par- munities. In California, "Children are ^ f in which school food I'c teaching," they Law 95-166, it school ents, too. As Maretzki sees it, par- service to them about what has as one instruct elementary personnel are finding stu- preaching , f' trained to said. mam goals building ents' support is essential. "They're dents and shouldn't eat," she a stronger are willing to accept more nut- should between students. children tools that the cafeteria two-way the role models, " she emphasizes. ritious foods since the program "We need to give and the''le "Peer-teaching is a room. Classa , to determine what for students in Many participating schools are send- started. will enable them learning experience and we funds for developing nutrition educa- School food the ing nutrition materials home with chil- "A national study is presently being foods are good for them, services, Maretzki Manchester, Connecticut, where tion activities and materials for chil- said- offer inviting parents to help plan conducted to assess the pro- to give them the opportunity to schools the winning fans. Said one dren, and NET need opportunity to approach is dren. It also provides funds for train- and take part in food-related projects. gram," Maretzki said. "This study will practice using these tools." student instructor: "Some of the the people who teach and feed local NET coordinators are give us an opportunity to document The program Maretzki heads— the ing elementary students didn't even think State and Pro- children— teachers and school food using the media newspapers, what is happening and how NET Nutrition Education and Training about what they were eating until we also — funds are being used. to just service personnel. I gram, or NET— is designed do told them something about nutrition. "The foremost goal of NET is to that. Administered by USDA's Food have also learned things from teach- help children become healthy, well and Nutrition Service, NET provides States ing them." informed citizens and knowledgeable get grants Many States are holding nutrition consumers," she continued. "At the Through NET, States get funds In education workshops for school food same time we want to train teachers the form of grants to State educa- sen/ice personnel and teachers. Food and school food service personnel to tional agencies. In 1978 and 1979, service personnel are learning how to make the cafeteria a nutrition learning the amount of each State's grant was make meals more appealing and laboratory— and the based on a formula of 50 cents for palatable to children. And teachers each child enrolled in public or non- are learning how to integrate nutrition profit private schools and institutions. education into other subject areas. A learning laboratory. ^^^g^^BK No State, however, received less key topic is how teachers, cafeteria than managers, and parents can work to- $75,000. To qualify for a grant, a by Marilyn Stackhouse / / gether State education agency hires an NET and get the support of other total edu- people as coordinator, who assesses the need make learning about food a well— athletic coaches and To for nutrition education and training, cational experience for children. food serv- and proposes a "plan of action." help schools improve their to build parents' include manage- radio and television As Maretzki explained, NET is ices NET activities managers interest. closely tied to the school breakfast ment training for cafeteria and lunch programs. Created by the and their staffs. What about

results? . Activities has Maretzki feels the program underway nnderwayi" Data from one well„ii underw y been successful. NET activities are shows changes state, Pennsylvania, For example' im- many States^ ^^i^. selections since S a es in students' food Using NET f^J^^s, ^^,^,3 0 child care ing schools and pro ects;. develop imaginative chNd^^^^^^^ explore ways to get in ej,^^ terested and involved Approaches r about food. on coo gamut from "hands 10 Nu''i'i°" f^eceniberi979 Food and Developing a State Plan: Three State Coordinators Share Their people interested and involved, you Brookover explained that one goal Experiences need to be able to talk about possible of the projects was to get additional results. information on specific needs as well as existing materials and curricula. First step: Another goal was to test approaches. finding help "The idea," she said, "was to give Brookover began by forming a nu- people in the field money to try trition education advisory group. something out and ask them to report

The advisory group represents 50 back on how it worked." statewide nutrition and education agencies and organizations, as well What did students, and consumers. they learn? Patty Brookover, as parents, In setting up the group, Brookover "We learned a lot from these proj- Michigan looked for people who were them- ects," Brookover said. "For example,

selves resource people or who had we learned it was hard to make par- How do you get people interested access to resources. ents aware of their need for nutrition in nutrition education and training? As the NET coordinator explained, education, and that we could begin For Patty Brookover, Michigan's the group's work formed the basis for educating them through the children. State NET coordinator, that question Michigan's initial plan. "These people "One way we did this was to send was a starting point. "You must stir gathered data that showed a need for home a letter informing parents of

up interest," she says, "find people NET in the State," she said, "and it their children's participation in the who share your interest in having was with this information that we NET program and telling them they more nutrition education in the wrote our first plan." The group con- could expect the children to be asking schools, and then get a commitment tinues to advise the Michigan De- questions about certain nutrition facts from them." partment of Education on all NET- and nutritious foods. The letters listed "But," she adds, "before you can related issues. NET activities for that particular week merchandise a program, you need to Since the State NET staff was lim- or month." know what you have to offer." ited to two people— Brookover and In a workshop in September, In working on her State NET plan, her recently appointed part-time Brookover and project supervisors

Brookover decided she had two secretary— it was obvious they evaluated 1978-79 activities. The choices. One choice was to structure needed a mechanism to reach a data from this workshop helped de-

a plan and then take it to the people larger number of people. Using NET termine what worked and what is

who would be involved in carrying it funds, the State Department of Edu- needed for a comprehensive ongoing out— school administrators, teachers, cation gave a grant to the inter- NET program. In addition to activities and food service managers. The mediate school district association to for children and parents, the ongoing other choice was to go to the local help administer the NET program. program includes professional de- people first and ask them what the During 1978, the association velopment activities for ad- plan should include. helped the State sponsor 16 pilot ministrators, teachers, food service In her first NET plan submitted to projects to identify NET needs. Eight and other personnel in schools, child USDA, Brookover opted for the sec- of the projects were grants to local care institutions, and family day care ond choice. She proposed using NET education agencies to assess the homes. funds for the 1978-79 school year to need for nutrition education and Patty Brookover is eager to share explore —through pilot projects and training for food service managers what she's learned and to hear of other activities —what people were al- and teachers. Three were grants to other nutrition education and training ready doing, what resources and universities and colleges to assess activities. materials were available, what support services such as printed To contact her, write — schools needed, and what ap- training materials and audiovisuals. Patty Brookover proaches worked best. And five projects were for day care Michigan Department of Education Her aim was to come up with in- and residential institutions, focusing School Support Services formation that would help her do two on nutrition education for primary and P.O. Box 30008 things: develop a more structured early elementary children and their Lansing, Michigan 48909 NET plan for the following year, and parents. by Eunice Wilson Bowman have identifiable results with which to "market" NET to schools and State

leaders. As Brookover sees it, to get

12 Food and Nutrition Mary Jo TuckweU, In order for school districts to re- Amanda Dew Mellinger, ceive funds or assistance through Wisconsin NET, they must participate in the California workshops. Participants may include Mary Jo Tuckwell, Wisconsin's school administrators, curriculum di- The idea of sponsoring nutrition State NET coordinator, is employed rectors, teachers, food service per- education projects is not a new one by the Department of Public Instruc- sonnel, parents, and students. The for California. For 3 years, the State tion. She chose to make use of the workshops are held during the day at Department of Education has given State's already existing 19 coopera- individual schools, and teachers are funds to local schools and com- tive educational service agencies given time off from their regular munities for a variety of nutrition edu- (CESA's) in structuring a State plan. schedules to attend. cation activities. Before that, in 1973 CESA's provide cooperatively Workshops use several group dis- and 1975, the State had received needed services to individual school cussion techniques to identify the cur- USDA grants for pilot nutrition educa- districts through contracts with district rent nutrition education concerns tion projects. school boards. within the school district. Workshop What is new is the chance to be Tuckwell contracted with CESA to leaders ask participants to assess: part of a nationwide nutrition help her implement the NET program. (1) the nutrition education program education effort and — using both CESA divided its 19 agencies into 6 presently being used in the school State and Federal monies — to reach NET regions, and using NET funds, system; (2) the level of nutrition more children than ever before. hired a nutrition education specialist knowledge of school administrators, "There's a tremendous amount of for each region. The specialists work teachers, food service directors, par- attention focused on nutrition today," with the schools to identify what the ents, and students; (3) the resource says State NET coordinator Amanda NET needs are in each district. material currently being used, and (5) Dew Mellinger. "People are looking the five most outstanding nutrition for ways to improve their nutritional Specialists concerns in their district. status, and education certainly give workshops "These concerns are then used to helps." To stimulate local acceptance of plan pilot NET activities in each California channels NET funds to nutrition as an integral part of educa- NET-CESA region," Tuckwell said. 153 local nutrition projects in schools tion, the specialists offer "awareness In leading the workshops and in and child care centers. Twenty-eight workshops" to each school district. planning follow-up activities, Wiscon- of the projects began with State funds As Carol Farrell, registered dietician sin's NET specialists draw upon a and have just completed their third and supervisor of NET-CESA region wide range of resources already es- year. These will become "model proj- nine, explains, "We give the aware- tablished by community agencies and ects" after which other schools and ness workshops to explain the serv- educational institutions. "We are centers will pattern nutrition educa- ices available to schools through NET taking advantage of technical re- tion plans of their own. and to help schools identify their par- search services offered by nutrition ticular needs." education consultants, university California's professors, and teachers," Tuckwell goals and plans said. Like the national goals, California's i6 . . . teachers are already Tuckwell and the regional spe- goals are to provide children and bogged down with so many cialists have received help in dis- teachers, school administrators, food extras — environmental pro- seminating NET information from service personnel, and parents with grams, crises in family life and newsletter editors, local health and information about nutrition and its im- drug education — there's a education groups, audiovisual dis- portance. push to get back to basics. tribution centers, and a variety of Federal regulations give States a community services. good deal of flexibility to determine We had to make sure NET was Mary Jo Tuckwell 's address is : how they will accomplish their goals. not looked at just as another State NET Coordinator Mellinger and her staff are focusing educational frill, y y Department of Public Instruction their efforts on four main areas: 126 Langdon Street The first is a media campaign of Madison, Wisconsin 53702 by Eunice Wilson Bowman

December 1979 13 Teaching the People Who Teach the Kids: A Look at public announcements to underscore that it's working," Mellinger says. the importance of nutrition education From a "how-to" standpoint, Mel- One State's and to introduce what's already hap- linger feels it's important for NET pening in the State. coordinators to work together and Approach The second area of emphasis is the "think like managers." She explains, development of a nutrition education "Nutritionists, dieticians, and curriculum. The curriculum will in- educators who are just now beginning clude nutrition education lessons for to take on the role of program ad- all classes, kindergarten through ministrators must operate the NET grade 12, and will involve both class- program from a good, sound man- room instruction and food service ac- agement base." tivities. Program coordinators, she says, Nutrition education is very much A third component, staff develop- need to use management principles in evidence this year in schools ment and community education, fo- in planning and organizing, in select- throughout Mississippi, thanks to the cuses on training school food service ing and training staff, in budgeting State's Nutrition Education and personnel, teachers, child care and accounting for funds, and in Training Program. Through the pro- operators, school administrators, seeking out and encouraging the gram, 600 teachers and school food parents, and other adults. The goal is cooperation of all those people who service personnel took part in work- to explain how each group can help can make a positive contribution to shops this summer, and learned how children learn about better nutrition. the program. to incorporate nutrition education into The fourth component is funding for A lesson learned in California's first the regular school curriculum. nutrition projects in local schools and year with NET is to set realistic, at- "The reason we're approaching child care centers. Efforts focus on tainable goals. For States just start- nutrition education in this manner," student instruction, staff training, de- ing out, Mellinger has this advice: said State NET coordinator Pat velopment of materials, and parent "Don't be tempted to try to do every- Keyes, "is that most principals feel

and community education. thing at once. You run the risk of not that their programs are already full. If doing anything well." we wanted a new subject added, they A teamwork would probably refuse. But when we approach Next year tell them that this will enrich the The California NET staff places some changes existing curriculum, well, then they're high priority on community involve- In the last 2 fiscal years, the more receptive." ment. They wrote their first State plan California staff has provided $3.5 mil- with the help of a task force of 80 lion in State and Federal funds to Set priorities people, including nutritionists, dieti- schools and community agencies, for training cians, representatives of professional believing that's where the program The Mississippi Department of organizations, community advocates, has to start. Next year they'll expand Education contracted with the Uni- and other people with an under- the training of food service workers, versity of Mississippi at Oxford to standing of California's nutrition edu- work on more training for teachers, conduct the actual training work- cation needs. California developed and spend more money on media. shops. The university staff developed amendments to the 1978 plan and By the end of the next year, they training modules for two groups of has since written a 1980 plan, again plan to develop a curriculum package teachers: teachers of kindergarten using task forces to advise them. of nutrition lessons for all grades and through grade 3, and of grades 7

The staff also emphasizes con- distribute it to all California schools. through grade 12. They also de- tinuing evaluation. Since California Although use of that package is not veloped a training packet for school first began funding nutrition education mandatory, Mellinger intends "to food service personnel. Teachers

activities, the State has closely mon- make it so good that schools will want from grades 4 through 6 will be itored local projects and has been to adopt it." trained next summer. able to adjust them in mid-stride as by Tino Serrano In deciding which teachers to necessary. "It's also valuable to have train first, Keyes said, the training the hard data on hand to show that coodinators did a "needs assess- nutrition education is important, and ment," surveying principals, teachers, school food service personnel and others. Most people said priority should be given to reaching the

14 Food and Nutrition youngest and the oldest students first. Younger children, they felt, should receive the training because nutritional habits are formed early in life. They chose the senior high students because of the particular problems of this age group — teenage pregnancy, for example — and because of a general agreement that "if you don't reach them in senior high school, you may never reach them. " Jeanette Phillips, associate profes- sor of home economics at the Univer- sity of Mississippi, is the nutrition education project director. She explained that the curriculum guides were based on four basic concepts of nutrition education that were developed by the Interagency Commit- tee on Nutrition Education. In general, the concepts define nutrition and nutrients, stress the importance of proper food handling, and explain that nutritional needs vary, depending on an individual's age, sex, health, and activities. For grades 7 through 12, there are two modules — one on basic food patterns and one on weight control. Phillips said they decided to include a separate module on weight control because "this is the number one problem." "We have a lot of teenage girls going on diets that are harmful to their health," she said. "Many times we see teenage girls who are anemic." The training packet for school food service personnel deals with nutrition and food preparation, and suggests ways managers can work with teachers to teach nutrition in the

classroom and cafeteria. It suggests holding tasting parties to introduce new foods and dishes; decorating bulletin boards with nutrition information; and organizing Youth Advisory Councils to involve students in food service activities.

December 1979 15 Teaching the Kids: From Preschoolers to High Twenty guides, and collect food literature. workshops Schoolers Children with learning disabilities re- From June through August, two ceive individualized nutrition training, teams conducted a total of 20, 3-day and physical education classes in- workshops around the State. Each clude daily nutrition lessons. team included four teachers and an That the nutrition lessons are hav- evaluator, who administered tests ing a positive influence on these and kept records. The effectiveness young people and their eating habits of the teaching was measured by pre- may come as a surprise to some. The and post-testing. students are all ninth graders, 14- to The teams used a variety of 15-year olds, with a history of eating teaching techniques — lectures, skits, that they like. What's more, readily puppet shows, films, slides, and NET in a available just across the street is the tasting parties. Each workshop par- High "competition" — a variety of snack ticipant received a $100 stipend School foods with little or no nutritional value. which could be used to cover the cost But there are positive forces at of 3 hours of credit from the Univer- The smell of burning food drifts work, says Pat Binkeley, especially sity of Mississippi. down the hallways of Nova High the country's current high interest in During the school year, participants School in Redding, California. A physical fitness and nutrition. By first are expected to provide at least 5 casual observer might envision a winning the support of teachers, she hours of nutrition education in their cooking project gone aflame in the has parlayed that interest into an en- classrooms or cafeterias. Next spring, home economics class. But ninth thusiastically supported, schoolwide the university will hold follow-up grade students at Nova know better. nutrition education program. workshops, where revised curriculum It's the science class, burning lunch guides will be distributed and again as students do experiments to Began with teachers and managers can share find the calorie content of foods. State funds their experiences. At Nova, it's a regular occurrence The nutrition education program's by Linda Klein for the science class to be burning birth certificate is a 1976 letter from lunch, just as it's normal for all the the State Department of Education classes to be experimenting with, announcing the availability of State reading up on, or writing about food funds. Binkeley joined the staff as the and nutrition. Largely because of the result of that offer and a Nova efforts of school home economist Pat teacher's idea for a weight-loss class Binkeley over the past 3 years, the for overweight students. courses of each department now in- In the nutrition program's first year, clude some aspect of nutrition edu- school year 1976-1977, Binkeley fo- cation. cused her efforts on setting up the The math class, for example, weight-loss class. The class concen- studies the Recommended Daily Al- trated on nutrition plans for students lowances of specific nutrients. Geog- and was reinforced with general nu- raphy students read about world trition workshops for students and health, cultural eating patterns, and their parents. world food problems. English classes During her second year, Binkeley discuss restaurant menus, and stu- continued the weight-loss class and dents write papers about their food began after-school nutrition work- choices. Science classes study the shops for teachers. Participating chemistry of foods and do experi- teachers were given a unit of credit ments, like dehydrating milk. A new for attending and were encouraged to class. Western Literature, is studying include nutrition information materials foods of the early West, grinding corn into flour and making stew. Nova students learn to read labels for In their personal growth classes, product ingredients. students keep food diaries, put to- Reference to commer- gether individual calorie and exercise cial products does not imply endorsement or discrimination by USDA. 16 Food and Nutrition in their classes. equipment. Workshops for parents ents tell me they've noticed their chil- Last year, when the Nutrition Edu- also continue. Topics include label- dren preparing low-calorie, nutritious cation and Training Program came ing, food advertising, nutritious snacks and meals at home," Binkeley into being, Nova became eligible for snacking, as well as food and nutri- said. the additional Federal funding for nu- tion basics. trition projects, and Pat Binkeley sold Has fostered the Nova faculty on the concept of in- Results are strong support cluding some nutrition education in encouraging With the nutrition education cur- every core class. Since she first began the nutrition riculum now established, Binkeley is program back in 1976, Pat Binkely working to keep interest high. She Weight loss has been watching for results. The meets with teachers at least twice a class continues first encouraging signs were changes year— once to develop their nutrition Today, the weight-loss class is still in attitudes and eating habits of stu- education plans, and a second time offered as a daily, elective class open dents enrolled in the weight-loss to check the progress they've made. to all students. It involves elements of class. There are now indications of She's invited newspaper reporters psychology and exercise as well as obvious, if slow, changes in the at- and other people from the media to nutrition and food preparation. Class titudes and habits of other students, her parent and teacher workshops, members weigh in daily and keep as well. and she's asked the PTA to display food diaries of what they have eaten In the cafeteria, more students are general nutrition material in the halls. and why. Students discuss with each eating complete Type A lunches, in- Periodically she sends a nutrition other their feelings about themselves stead of choosing a la carte items newsletter home to parents to keep and their eating habits. from the snack bar. Salad bar and the whole family up to date. They also learn how to prepare diet plate lunches are extremely pop- This year, hundreds of California low-calorie recipes and, through a va- ular. And for snacks, students have schools and child care centers will riety of activities, study the basics of asked the school to sell more begin participating in the Nutrition nutrition. Students have: compiled a "healthful" foods, like granola bars, Education and Training Program for book of low-calorie snack ideas; as- nuts, and raisins, as opposed to can- the first time. Because staff at Nova sembled a library of books, film strips, dies and other foods with less nutri- have proven their approach has and games which focus on nutrition; tional value. worked, the school will be among held nutrition spelling bees; made up Several teachers report they have those model projects other California packages of fictitious foods to better enthusiastic student audiences for schools will use as examples in de- understand what to look for on labels; the nutrition lessons in their classes. veloping nutrition lessons of their and developed their own food com- And parents, too, have commented own. mercials about school videotape on what's happening. "I've had par- by Tino Serrano

December 1979 17 NET in a center involve the children directly in The heart of nutrition education at lessons which help them grow emo- the Chinatown Center is a diverse Child Care tionally, psychologically, and socially. collection of activities intended to Center What makes the Chinatown Cen- teach some of the basics of good nu- ter's nutrition training program in- trition. The activities give these While Lily and Kim sprinkle the teresting is the age and background youngsters enough of a grasp of the sesame seeds over their still-warm of the children who attend and the fundamentals to prepare them for the sesame surprise rolls, Audrey and special tools needed to teach them more complex nutrition training they her friends are across the room ex- better, and often new, eating habits. will receive when they begin school. plaining to Mr. Owl what they had for They are preschoolers, age 3 to 5 breakfast. Near the window Pam and years old; almost all are from low- Teach Caria have their hands in the "Magic income families who have recently the basics Box" and suspect that the item immigrated to the U.S.; and fewer "All of the activities capitalize on hidden inside is a carrot. than 5 percent speak English. They the children's natural tendencies," The children are all preschoolers recognize few domestic foods and explained Theresa Wong, nutrition attending the Chinatown Community know very little about their own native project director. "These children can- Children's Center, a bilingual and foods. not sit still, so we direct their energy bicultural child care center serving, into songs, fingerplays, and games." predominately, the Chinese popula- In one game, the children choose an tion of San Francisco's Richmond exercise, like running, walking, or District. Learning activities at the

18 Food and Nutrition jumping. Afterwards they receive peanuts in proportionate amounts to illustrate that the most strenous activities require the most "fuel." The puppet theater and storytime activities package nutrition information in a form that will both entertain and instruct preschoolers. In their daily discussions with the handpup- pet, Mr. Owl, and his puppet friends, the children discuss what they had for breakfast; why it was a balanced meal or why it wasn't; and other general food topics.

Use simple visuals Since the children cannot read, and many, in fact, can hardly speak, the center uses a lot of simple visuals. On the "storyboard," cut-outs of Farmer Brown and his family depict lessons on foods and how they grow. To illustrate food and growth, the duced by 39 percent the amount of shouldn't waste." class raised a rabbit and learned by meat they were wasting. By compari- The new nutrition awareness is direct observation that food was son, during the same time period, spreading into the homes as well. necessary for his health and growth. there was a 59-percent increase in Wong attributes this to the frequent The center's staff lets the children meat waste among children in a nutrition workshops the staff has with "make a mess." Sure-fire mess- neighboring control group, supplied parents, and to students discussing making activities are the cooking similar meals by the same central with parents what they've learned. exercises. Some exercises are for kitchen. Cooked vegetable waste at "Parents who used to bring sweets in groups of five to eight, and others are the Chinatown Center decreased 42 on holidays are now coming in with for groups of two or three. percent, salad waste decreased 20 nuts, fresh fruits, raisins, and fruit Whenever they cook, children percent, and milk waste decreased juice," the nutrition project director share with classmates what they 53 percent. said. have prepared. They often get to take "By teaching these children the ab- samples home to their parents, too. Accepting solute basics of nutrition," she added, The center staff has compiled their new foods "we're planting a seed. We do not cooking experiences into a cookbook "These kids are gobbling up fresh expect to see it sprout tomorrow, but of recipes. fruits, most of them for the first time in it's there, and will become more ob-

In Theresa Wong's words, "The their lives," said Wong, "and I think vious in the next couple of years. pieces are coming together." She their acceptance of the new foods is Only after the seed has been allowed feels a lot of the children, and their the result of their greater appreciation to develop can there be a blossom." parents, are learning about better for them. by Tino Serrano nutrition. There is statistical evidence "The children are realizing that of their new nutrition awareness, as food doesn't just appear magically in well as more subtle, though equally stores," she continued, "someone put important, informal observations to a lot of work into raising it — making support that conclusion. sure it received the water, sunlight

In the 7 months between plate and time it needed to grow. That les- waste surveys conducted this year, son is reinforced by growing foods in children at the Chinatown Center re- class. "The children realize, now, that food is something precious," she added, "and something they

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