By Andi Anderson
Iowa senators recently advanced a bill aimed at implementing nutrition guidelines and education in schools that highlight the state's local food sources, such as corn, pork, and dairy. Senate Study Bill 1158 proposes updating the school health curriculum to incorporate lessons on nutrition, food production, and the benefits of sourcing food locally. It also suggests adding career education on natural resources and agriculture.
The bill calls for the Iowa Department of Education to request a waiver from certain federal nutrition standards for school meals. The proposed exemptions include limits on sodium, whole grain requirements, and specific fruit and vegetable varieties. The bill also allows for the substitution of federal nutrition guidelines with state-specific recommendations based on Iowa's dietary practices and cultural preferences.
If the waiver is approved, the Iowa Department of Education would collaborate with various stakeholders, including the Iowa Department of Agriculture and nutrition experts, to create guidelines for a "nutritionally adequate meal" in Iowa schools. These guidelines would aim to be as strict as federal standards in promoting health and preventing chronic diseases, with a focus on animal-based proteins, dairy, vegetables, and fruits, in that order.
The bill faced opposition from some legislators, including Senator Liz Bennett, who questioned the prioritization of certain food groups without clear evidence from nutritional research. Others, such as Senator Mike Zimmer, suggested that plant-based proteins should also be considered in nutrition education. Despite this, the bill's supporters, including lobbyists from Iowa commodity groups, argue that it offers a more tailored approach to the state's unique agricultural landscape.
The bill was amended to remove references to "sustainable farming" practices in the curriculum to avoid confusion, as the term is not clearly defined. After the amendment, the bill passed the Senate Agriculture Committee with a vote of 11-4, with several Democrats voting against it. A similar bill is also moving forward in the House.
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Categories: Iowa, Government & Policy