Proposed Rule: Professional Standards for State and Local School Nutrition Programs Personnel as Required by the HHFKA of 2010

This proposed rule would establish minimum professional standards for school nutrition personnel who manage and operate the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. The proposed rule would also institute hiring standards for the selection of state and local school nutrition program directors; and require all personnel in these programs to complete annual continuing education/training.

These proposed changes respond to amendments made by section 306 of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA), which require USDA to establish professional standards for school nutrition personnel. The HHFKA also requires each state to provide at least annual training to local educational agency and school nutrition personnel. This proposed rule is expected to provide consistent, national standards for school nutrition professionals and staff. The principal benefit of this proposed rule is to ensure that key school nutrition personnel are meeting minimum professional standards in order to adequately perform the duties and responsibilities of their positions.