Lessons Learned The following are lessons learned in developing and implementing the school nutrition standards for competitive foods and beverages in Massachusetts: A work group that is charged to create nutrition regulations and devise an implementation strategy and timeline should include representation from a wider variety of sectors, particularly those who will be impacted the most from the new regulations, including the food and beverage industry. Translating legislation, such as that which mandates changes to established food systems and cultural practices within the school environment, requires extensive time to assess and develop the strategic plan. This should include providing more opportunities for regional dialogue and building community relationships, providing more targeted public education and information campaigns, and leveraging the strengths of established community partnerships that are supportive of creating healthier nutrition environments. As part of the strategy, initiatives should be developed and implemented to test the proposed changes in all regions of the state. Consider inviting school districts and municipalities to volunteer to participate in regional pilots. Make modifications based on information learned from the pilots. Implement changes over time; establish a strategy that provides both a public education component and allows for phasing-in of the more controversial components of the regulations. For example, instead of discontinuing providing flavored milk all together, schools might experiment with serving flavored milk only with lunch, and/or then only on Fridays for six months. Then an assessment should be made of the process and impact of the changes, and next steps should be developed based on input from, e.g., the School Wellness Advisory Committee, student groups and parents. Collect and provide from the field” to municipalities and school districts that provide “stories practical applications or practices” in implementing the nutrition regulations. “best Stories from Massachusetts Schools Many of the following stories from the field show how Massachusetts schools are applying changes in the federal reimbursable meal programs, and also present the many creative ways schools are providing healthier food and beverage choices throughout the school day in response to the competitive nutrition regulations.
Lessons Learned The following are lessons learned in developing and implementing the school nutrition standards for competitive foods and beverages in Massachusetts: A work group that is charged to create nutrition regulations and devise an implementation strategy and timeline should include representation from a wider variety of sectors, particularly those who will be impacted the most from the new regulations, including the food and beverage industry. Translating legislation, such as that which mandates changes to established food systems and cultural practices within the school environment, requires extensive time to assess and develop the strategic plan. This should include providing more opportunities for regional dialogue and building community relationships, providing more targeted public education and information campaigns, and leveraging the strengths of established community partnerships that are supportive of creating healthier nutrition environments. As part of the strategy, initiatives should be developed and implemented to test the proposed changes in all regions of the state. Consider inviting school districts and municipalities to volunteer to participate in regional pilots. Make modifications based on information learned from the pilots. Implement changes over time; establish a strategy that provides both a public education component and allows for phasing-in of the more controversial components of the regulations. For example, instead of discontinuing providing flavored milk all together, schools might experiment with serving flavored milk only with lunch, and/or then only on Fridays for six months. Then an assessment should be made of the process and impact of the changes, and next steps should be developed based on input from, e.g., the School Wellness Advisory Committee, student groups and parents. Collect and provide “stories from the field” to municipalities and school districts that provide practical applications or “best practices” in implementing the nutrition regulations. Stories from Massachusetts Schools Many of the following stories from the field show how Massachusetts schools are applying changes in the federal reimbursable meal programs, and also present the many creative ways schools are providing healthier food and beverage choices throughout the school day in response to the competitive nutrition regulations.
nutritional-standards-five-year-review.docx