• Both state and national data indicate that today's children are growing up less healthy than their parents. 
• If children's health issues are not properly addressed, this may be the first generation in American history to have a shorter lifespan than their parents.
• Good nutrition and a school environment that makes "a healthy choice the easy choice" is important to the health and well being of every Texas school child. 

The Texas Public School Nutrition Policy
 
The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has proposed rules for the adoption and implementation of the TPSNP. Recognizing that our schools are in a powerful position to influence children and their eating habits, TDA established the TPSNP in 2004 in response to alarming data showing that Texas children were overweight or obese at a significantly higher rate than the nation as a whole.
 
The TPSNP was created in collaboration with  public, private and government entities representing the policy's stakeholders, including parents, school administrators, health professionals, and members of the food industry. In addition, in 2007, TDA established the Healthy Students=Healthy Families Advisory Committee to evaluate the TPSNP from the perspective of various stakeholders including health officials, parents, school administrators, and more. 
 
Also in 2007, to highlight the commendable role our schools are playing in providing nutritious meals and to point to a more comprehensive focus, TDA began promoting the Three E's of Healthy Living: Education, Exercise and Eating Right.  Originally a set of nutrition guidelines, TPSNP enhances the nutrition standards for all foods served in Texas public schools participating in the National School Lunch Program, which includes the Seamless Summer Option and After School Care Program, and School Breakfast Program, including school meals, a la carte items, snack bars, vending machines, school stores, and fundraising through grade-specific guidelines for unregulated foods.
 
The TPSNP was amended in 2006 to enact greater restrictions on competitive foods, candy, fats, and frying.The purpose of the TPSNP, since its creation, has been to promote a healthier environment in Texas schools and to help ensure a healthier future for Texas children.
 
What You Can Do: