sb12: the beginning of something better
Senate Bill 12 went into effect on July 1st, 2007. It details basic nutritional standards for snack foods and entrees that are sold in schools. These requirements include a maximum of 35% calories from fat, 10% from saturated fat, and 35% from sugar. Also, a snack item may not exceed 175 calories in elementary schools and 250 calories in middle and high schools.
As good as this may sound, these guidelines are just the frosting on the cake....with less sugar and fat. The fact is, over 10,000 existing products had been reformulated for SB 12 compliance by the time it went into effect last year. Less calories, fat, and sugar? Sure. But they are still, very often, highly processed products that contain GMOs, pesticide and herbicide residues, preservatives, artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors and so on. 100-calorie packs of cookies. Baked chips. These are not necessarily part of a "healthy" diet. But at least it is a start. It is the foods on the "exempted list" that really deserve our attention. The list includes fruit, vegetables, nuts, legumes, nut butters, seeds, eggs and cheese. The nutrition profiles of these foods are generally much better than their processed, sugar-added, fried, or baked, counterparts. But unfortunately, they still aren't as available and visible in schools as many of us would like them to be.
earthpure organics™ has taken a great interest in supporting SB 12 and supporting positive change in the availability of quality snack items for students. earthpure organics™ in partnership with it sister company, Nextgen Vending™, produces and distributes a wide range of SB 12 compliant foods, including whole food formulations like dried fruits, nuts, trail mixes, and food bars. And, of course, it is always organic™.
justin - product development
As good as this may sound, these guidelines are just the frosting on the cake....with less sugar and fat. The fact is, over 10,000 existing products had been reformulated for SB 12 compliance by the time it went into effect last year. Less calories, fat, and sugar? Sure. But they are still, very often, highly processed products that contain GMOs, pesticide and herbicide residues, preservatives, artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors and so on. 100-calorie packs of cookies. Baked chips. These are not necessarily part of a "healthy" diet. But at least it is a start. It is the foods on the "exempted list" that really deserve our attention. The list includes fruit, vegetables, nuts, legumes, nut butters, seeds, eggs and cheese. The nutrition profiles of these foods are generally much better than their processed, sugar-added, fried, or baked, counterparts. But unfortunately, they still aren't as available and visible in schools as many of us would like them to be.
earthpure organics™ has taken a great interest in supporting SB 12 and supporting positive change in the availability of quality snack items for students. earthpure organics™ in partnership with it sister company, Nextgen Vending™, produces and distributes a wide range of SB 12 compliant foods, including whole food formulations like dried fruits, nuts, trail mixes, and food bars. And, of course, it is always organic™.
justin - product development
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