Nutrition Programs for Children (continued)

Other Federal Programs

The USDA's Food Stamp Program (FSP) is the nation's most important food assistance program. Eligibility requirements are uniform nationwide. Among households that receive food stamps, 92% have gross incomes below the poverty level. Families with children receive 83% of all FSP benefits, and children constitute about half of all individuals on food stamps (Greenstein, 1992). FSP participation has been found to improve nutrition for low-income households. According to the USDA, nutrients in home food supplies are increased 20 to 40% by food stamps.

The National Food Service Management Institute (NFSMI) was authorized by Congress and established in 1990. The institute is located at the University of Mississippi and serves as a resource center for child nutrition programs.

The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), which was established in 1968, is administered by the Extension Service of the USDA and is conducted through the Cooperative Extension System at land-grant universities in every state and territory. Extension professionals train paraprofessionals and volunteers who teach food and nutrition information and skills to families and youth with limited resources. EFNEP's objectives are to assist these families and youth in acquiring the knowledge, skills, and changed behavior necessary for nutritionally sound diets (USDA, 1994).

Other National Initiatives

The American School Food Service Association developed the Healthy E.D.G.E. program, which produced a video tape and "how-to" manual that highlight cost-effective ways of incorporating U.S. Dietary Guidelines in school food service, and which emphasize school-community partnerships to promote activities that improve student nutrition. Healthy E.D.G.E. also produces manuals that discuss topics related to nutrition.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) has produced a set of nutrition education curricula for the primary, intermediate, and secondary level. These curricula link classroom materials for teachers, such as outlines and visual aids, with materials for food service personnel, such as manuals on developing recipes (ACS, 1990).

The National Dairy Council undertakes various efforts to support nutrition education among citizens. These efforts include nutrition education programs for educators and nutrition programs and materials for health professionals. The Council also produces curriculum materials for use in preschools and the elementary grades.

Improving Program Participation Rates

In order to increase children's participation in nutrition programs, the National Health/Education Consortium (NHEC) suggests that:

• SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL PERSONNEL encourage children's participation in child nutrition programs
• DIETITIANS AND HEALTH PROFESSIONALS help schools develop materials for parents and students concerning nutrition and school meal programs; and
• PARENTS encourage their children to participate in meal programs; and work with schools to provide environments that promote healthful eating habits.

The NHEC believes that administrative requirements prevent many eligible schools from participating in child nutrition programs. Two practices that would reduce administrative burdens are: (1) a universal school meal program, according to which all students, regardless of household income, would be allowed to receive meals without charge, thus eliminating the need for determining children's eligibility; and (2) direct certification, according to which schools could certify children for free or reduced-cost meals by obtaining information directly from local Food Stamp or Aid to Families with Dependent Children offices.