Resources

MSNA Logo

Download the MSNA logo for use in MSNA publications.  On the links below, right click and go to “Save Link As” to save the logo on your computer. Please review the MSNA Non Endorsement Policy on usage of logo.

Related Links

These are just a few of the growing number of nutrition related web sites on the Internet. They provide reliable information and can lead you to many other good sites. But beware out there in Cyberspace. Along with lots of good stuff, there’s plenty of misinformation and bad nutrition advice.

www.usda.gov National nutrition policy and promotion (Dietary Guidelines, Food Guide Pyramid, Team Nutrition) and programs (School Lunch, Breakfast, WIC, Child Care, Donated Foods and more.
www.eatright.org American Dietetic Association – sound nutrition advice, National Nutrition Month and more.
www.usda.gov Find a farmers market near you.
www.ific.org Food Insights by International Food Information Council. Check out the nutrition glossary.
www.kelloggs.com Kelloggs’ nutrition fun for kids.
www.cyberdiet.com Evaluate your personal diet, exercise and weight.
www.schoolnutrition.org The School Nutrition Association (SNA) is the national affiliate of MSNA. SNA provides news and ideas for school nutrition programs – National School Lunch and Breakfast Weeks.
www.fns.usda.gov/fdd USDA Food Distribution Program
www.cancer.org American Cancer Society
www.drink-milk.com Dairy Council
www.ilovepasta.org National Pasta Association
www.turkeyfed.org National Turkey Federation

Minnesota School Food Buying Group
Website for MSFGB

The MSFGB was started in 2006-2007 school year with 15 districts looking for ways to reduce the costs for school food. There are now 94 districts participating.

How it works
MN State law allows for government entities to share contracts with each other by signing joint purchasing agreements. All districts that join the MFSBG sign a joint agreement with Anoka-Hennepin ISD 11.

Commitment
The group selects categories with the most usage volume and dollar spent, then agrees on one item in its category to bid out. Example-Chicken Nugget Category. Each participant calculates their usage for the next school year. Usage volume is requested from all participants.

The Bid Process
Each spring, bids include the items awarded from the preceding year.  New items that participants may want to bid are discussed and based on potential savings those new items may be put on the bid.

The MSFBG represents over half the student population in Minnesota.

Why Join a Buying Group and What You Should Consider Before Joining

- minimal cost to join
- large savings
- bidding process is done for you
- commitment to usage
- buying what you committed
- your role as a participating district
- becoming a participant is easy:
* sign a joint purchasing agreement with Anoka-Hennepin
* pay an annual fee (from July 1 through June 30)
* MSFBG notifies brokers, manufacturers, and distributor of new members

Great Trays

Healthy School Meals for Minnesota Kids

Great Trays Website

MN Department of Education Farm2School Links

MDE hosts a Farm2School page to connect school districts with information and toolkits to meet the diverse needs of school nutrition programs, support regional and local farmers and provide support for health and nutrition education.

MN Dept of Ed Farm2school site

Find a farmers market


Institute for Agriculture & Trade Policy

Farm2School website to connect students, parents, farmers, educators and other community members with useful tools and information. The site features an interactive map that shows where Farm to School is happening in Minnesota, videos, articles, tip sheets and many useful resources.

http://www.farm2schoolmn.org/


Wellness Policy Samples

Mounds View ISD – Wellness Policy
Wellness policy: http://www.moundsviewschools.org/pdf/regulationEG-3106.pdf
Wellness website for Mounds View public schools: http://www.moundsviewschools.org/Wellness.asp

USDA Wellness Policy Samples
http://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/Healthy/wellnesspolicy_examples.html

School Nutrition Association Wellness Policy Information
http://www.schoolnutrition.org/Index.aspx?id=1075

MN School Board Association (MASBO) – Wellness Policy Information
To access the wellness policy in the MASBO website, you will need a school password. Please contact your superintendent for that number.
http://www.mnasbo.org

2010 LEGISLATIVE ISSUE PAPER

pdf printable version

The Minnesota School Nutrition Association is deeply committed to the nutritional health and well-being of children and recognizes the importance of healthy food for growth and student achievement. Therefore, the Minnesota School Nutrition Association endorses the following positions for 2010:

School Meals Funding: MSNA supports maintaining current funding for school meals.

Many families are struggling financially, and they depend on school meals to supply a significant portion of their children’s nutritional needs. At the same time, rising food costs have made it more difficult for school nutrition programs to make ends meet while ensuring that every child has access to nutritious school meals at an affordable price.

Minnesota schools serve approximately 100 million lunches each year. School districts cannot cover the cost of a school lunch through the traditional combination of student payments, federal funding, and state funding. The gap between the cost of producing a school lunch and the revenues received is 37 cents for every lunch served. Maintaining current state funding will help to keep this gap from growing larger.

Nutritional Integrity: MSNA supports reforming federal nutrition standards as proposed by the Institute of Medicine and the School Nutrition Association. Updating federal nutrition standards in accordance with current scientific research will help maintain the nutritional integrity of school meals.

Farm to School: MSNA supports measures to encourage schools to purchase locally grown agricultural products.

Shared Services: MSNA encourages all school districts to participate in cooperative food purchasing groups in order to take advantage of economies of scale.