Salad Bars in Schools Expansion Act
The Salad Bars in Schools Expansion Act would broaden the use of salad bars within the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) by creating a federal expansion program under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act. The bill requires a marketing plan, training and technical assistance for eligible entities (schools or school food authorities), and a competitive grant program to help schools install salad bars and purchase durable equipment. It emphasizes priority for high-need schools, those in food deserts, and schools that provide nutrition education. The program is time-limited to five years and includes reporting and guidance updates. Importantly, the bill does not authorize new appropriations; funding would be drawn from existing appropriations for related purposes. Overall, the act aims to increase fruit and vegetable consumption among students by making salad bars more common in schools, aligning with dietary guidelines and existing nutrition standards, while building support and evaluation mechanisms to track progress.
Key Points
- 1Marketing and outreach plan within 90 days: The Secretary of Agriculture must establish and implement a plan to promote salad bars in NSLP-participating schools.
- 2Training and technical assistance: The Secretary provides support to eligible entities, including webinars, workshops, implementation resources, nutrition education, and strategies to engage parents and partner organizations.
- 3Grant program to cover installation costs: Competitive grants awarded to eligible entities to give schools a one-time payment equal to the anticipated cost of installing a salad bar (including durable equipment over $500). Grants have priorities for:
- 4- Schools with at least 50% of students eligible for free/reduced-price lunches
- 5- Schools in food deserts
- 6- Schools that provide nutrition education
- 7Evaluation and reporting: Grantees must submit evaluations. Within one year of enactment, the Secretary must report to specified House and Senate committees on progress, number of schools with salad bars, and evaluations, among other items.
- 8Guidance revision: Within 90 days after the report, the Secretary must update the March 27, 2013 policy memorandum SP 31-2013, on Salad Bars in the NSLP, based on findings.
- 9Definitions:
- 10- Durable equipment: equipment greater than $500 in value.
- 11- Eligible entity: a school or a school food authority (the entity that manages school meals).
- 12- Food desert: a census tract with substantial low-income residents and limited access to grocery stores or healthy food outlets.
- 13No new appropriations: The bill states no new funds are authorized; activities must be financed with existing appropriations.