Rural Schools and Health – News
News stories from the past 60 days.
FNS: Child Nutrition Programs: Meal Patterns Consistent With the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
Federal Register
Apr 25, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) finalizing long-term school nutrition requirements based on the goals of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025, stakeholder input, and lessons learned from prior rulemaking. Among other things, this rule phases in added sugars limits for the school lunch and breakfast programs and in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, implements a single sodium reduction in the school lunch and breakfast programs, and establishes long-term milk and whole grain requirements for school meals. Program operators will not be required to make changes to their menus until school year 2025-2026 at the earliest. This rule is effective July 1, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 10, 2024 - Discusses mental healthcare access for children in Michigan schools, noting that workforce shortages most impact rural areas. Discusses funding, recruitment and retention, and training.
Source: The Mining Journal
Apr 10, 2024 - Discusses the need for mental health services in schools and how states around the country have used Medicaid reimbursement to fund those services. Notes recent policy changes that have made this possible and highlights challenges that remain in using Medicaid reimbursement, particularly for rural school districts.
Source: The Commonwealth Fund
Mar 29, 2024 - Announces new provisions giving Head Start programs additional flexibility to serve children in tribal communities and children of farmworkers. Tribally-run Head Start programs can enroll children regardless of family income, and any child who has one or more family member engaged in agricultural employment is now eligible for Head Start.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Mar 11, 2024 - Highlights a project in North Carolina offering school-mandated physicals to rural children using mobile clinics. Children that do not receive physicals may be suspended. Discusses the impact of suspension on educational outcomes and entering the justice system.
Source: North Carolina Health News
Feb 29, 2024 - New school-based health centers are opening in 3 rural Michigan schools. The health centers will offer physical, mental and dental healthcare.
Source: Rural Innovation Exchange
Last Updated: 4/25/2024