Public Policy Chair

Meredith F Hart, MS RD

First Lady Michelle Obama and USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced new school meal standards today, as part of the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act. The new standards are strongly supported by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Visit this USDA webpage to review the new standards, read a press release, and view a sample menu. 

http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Governance/Legislation/nutritionstandards.htm

 Join the Jan. 18th webinar regarding recent Capitol Hill funding and policy developments and their effects on health and nutrition programs. The webinar, hosted by the Public Health Institute, will be held from 2:30-4:00pm EST.

Forwarding to you from the National PKU Alliance.

The future of medical food coverage (formula and foods modified to be low in protein) is now at risk.  Your help is needed!

**Click on READ MORE for details**

Emails should be sent to: essentialhealthbenefits@cms.hhs.gov.  HHS will only accept comments through January 31, 2012, so please act quickly!

The 2012 Public Policy Workshop is scheduled for April 15th-17th, at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Arlington, VA. Workshop enrollment is not yet open, but stay tuned for more details. In the meantime, begin to make travel plans and schedule visits with your legislators for Tuesday (the last day of the workshop). Hope to see you there!

 https://wwws.whitehouse.gov/petitions/%21/petition/urge-cms-reconsider-its-decision-cag-00423n-excluding-registered-dietitians-direct-billing-obesity/tql0XYc2?utm_source=wh.gov&utm_medium=shorturl&utm_campaign=shorturl

Please sign this petition...and encourage your family and friends to sign as well. Share the link by sending emails, posting on Facebook, and discussing in your blog. Let's get those signatures!