Governor Announces New Jersey Schools in Compliance with Nutrition Standards

Commends Efforts of Jacobs, Kuperus and Davy

October 16, 2007 -- TOMS RIVER - New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine today announced that 97% of New Jersey schools are in compliance with New Jersey's Model School Nutrition Policy. The Governor made the announcement while joining Health Commissioner Fred Jacobs, Agriculture Secretary Charles Kuperus and Education Commissioner Lucille Davy in addressing 1300 students from Toms River public high schools on the issues of childhood obesity and second-hand smoke.

"Government can play an important role in a child's dietary routine by providing the right options during mealtimes in public schools," said Governor Corzine. "Many students eat both breakfast and lunch at the school cafeteria, or 2/3 of their daily meals. With the prevalence of obesity and poor eating habits, it is imperative to have proper nutrition guidelines in place for food served at our schools. I commend Commissioner Jacobs, Secretary Kuperus and Commissioner Davy for their work on this issue."

Governor Corzine signed the New Jersey Model School Nutrition Policy into law in February 2007. These nutrition standards now apply to all public schools. For instance, snack and beverage items sold or served anywhere on school property during the school day, including items sold in a la carte lines, vending machines, snack bars, school stores and fundraisers must meet the standards.

To date, 777 of 798 schools are now compliant with nutrition policy standards. By the end of this month, 100% compliance is expected to be reached.

According to the policy, snack foods can have no more than 8 grams of total fat per serving, with the exception of nuts and seeds, or schools cannot serve candy or any item that lists sugar, in any form, as the first ingredient. In elementary schools, the guidelines say all beverages served must either be milk, water or fruit or vegetable juices that are comprised of 100 percent fruit or vegetable juice. In middle schools and high schools, at least 60 percent of all beverages offered, other than milk and water, must be 100 percent fruit or vegetable juices.

For non-public schools, these regulations only apply if the school participates in any of the federally funded Child Nutrition Programs.

"Obesity is one health issue that we as a society can control and by doing so, can directly have a positive effect on the health of our families, neighbors and communities," said Health and Senior Services Commissioner Fred M. Jacobs, M.D., J.D. "If we do not do anything to reverse the trend of obesity, especially in our children, the consequences will be severe: for the first time in our history, the next generation of adults will be facing a shorter life expectancy than their parents and will suffer more from a variety of diseases related to obesity."

"The Department of Agriculture continues to diligently work with school districts to make sure healthy and nutritious foods are offered in our schools and that students are encouraged to lead active lifestyles," said New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Charles M. Kuperus. "We are pleased how readily school food service directors, administrators, teachers, parents, and students embraced our nutrition policy. We will continue to work with those few remaining districts and schools to fully implement the guidelines by the end of this month."

"Healthy bodies mean healthy minds," Commissioner of Education Lucille E. Davy said. "Understanding good nutritional values and staying active are essential elements for lifelong learning. Our role is to make sure students have the opportunities to make the right choices as children and throughout their adult lives."

Commissioner Jacobs, Secretary Kuperus and Commissioner Davy have been on a tour of New Jersey to warn kids and parents all across the state about the dangers of childhood obesity and second-hand smoke - and to tell them about healthy food options that are readily available.

Source: New Jersey Governor

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