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In a move aimed at promoting locally sourced foods in school meal programs, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has introduced new guidelines. Starting fall 2024, schools can opt to mandate that unprocessed agricultural products be sourced locally. This initiative is anticipated to simplify the procurement of local foods for school meal programs, fostering community ties and supporting regional producers.
Furthermore, commencing fall 2025, schools will face restrictions on the proportion of non-domestic foods they can purchase. This measure is designed to prioritize American farmers, producers, fishers, and ranchers in supplying nutritious foods to schools, aligning with broader national food security objectives.
The Seafood Nutrition Partnership (SNP) has welcomed these developments, lauding them as a positive stride towards enhancing children's nutrition nationwide. SNP's Founder and President, Linda Cornish, emphasized the importance of these standards in expanding children's access to essential nutrients from seafood while bolstering domestic fisheries through the inclusion of locally sourced and culturally significant Indigenous foods.
Encouraging schools to diversify their cafeteria offerings, SNP advocates for increased seafood meal options in line with dietary recommendations to consume seafood regularly for optimal health.
This update builds upon the USDA's recent commitment to procure more Alaska pollock, salmon, and other seafood for federal nutrition assistance programs, including the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Notably, on April 30, Trident Seafoods and Channel Fish secured contracts totaling over $21.8 million to supply Alaska pollock, Atlantic pollock, haddock, and ocean perch for these programs.
The Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP) commended the USDA's decision to award contracts to Trident Seafoods and Channel Fish, affirming its support for the domestic seafood industry and the provision of nutritious options to those in need.
Looking ahead, the USDA intends to continue its seafood procurement efforts, with plans to purchase various seafood products through its Web-Based Supply Chain Management system, ensuring a steady supply of healthy and domestically sourced foods for federal nutrition programs.
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