NUTRITIONAL STANDARDS - Each school district must adopt nutritional standards for all food and beverages provided or sold to students during the school day. Food and beverages sold to students must be a component of the food-based meal pattern or must contain five percent of the daily value of at least one of eight essential nutrients, as described in the act. In addition, all snacks sold to students during the school day must contain fewer than three hundred calories per item and no more than thirty percent of calories from fat, except for nuts and seeds. Beverages must be one hundred percent juice or drinks with a minimum of twenty-five percent fruit juice, water, flavored water with zero calories, or low-fat or nonfat milk. A school cafeteria and entire school campus cannot sell snacks that are more than thirty percent by weight sugar per serving, except for fruits and vegetables. In elementary schools, competitive foods, as described in the act, can be sold during the school day in staff break rooms or areas only accessible to staff members. In secondary schools, competitive foods may only be sold to staff and students before 6 AM and after one-half hour after the last school lunch period. (Section 167.205)

School meals must limit saturated fat content to less than ten percent of calories. Total fat must be limited to thirty percent of calories. (Section 167.206)

PHYSICAL EDUCATION STANDARDS - By July 1, 2011, all school districts must require physical education for students. Every student in grades kindergarten through eight must participate in daily physical education for the entire school year, including students with disabling conditions and in alternative education programs. Elementary students must participate in at least 150 minutes of physical education each week, with an average of thirty minutes per day. Middle school students must participate in at least 250 minutes of physical education each week, as described in the act.

Schools must establish specific learning goals and objectives for physical education. Schools must design and implement a sequential and developmentally appropriate curriculum. All student must be regularly assessed at the local level for attainment of physical education learning objectives. In addition, health-related fitness testing must be integrated into the curriculum as an instructional tool.

Exemptions from physical education will not be permitted on the basis of participation on an athletic team, community recreation program, ROTC, marching band, or other school or community activity. Physical education must be taught by certified teachers, who must regularly participate in professional development activities.

School leaders must ensure the cost-efficient provision of adequate space and facilities to achieve the objectives of the physical education program. In addition, the physical education program must be closely coordinated with other components of the overall school health program.

Any certified teacher will be allowed to fulfill the new requirements if the General Assembly does not appropriate sufficient funds above the amount required for basic school aid.

This provision is substantially similar to provisions contained in HCS#2/SS/SB 291 (2009). (Section 167.720)

MICHAEL RUFF