U.S. Cranberries Announce Release of New Nutritional Toolkit
Wareham, MA (PRWEB) July 15, 2013 -- U.S. Cranberry representatives today announced the release of a new cranberry nutritional toolkit that will be distributed at the School Nutrition Association’s (SNA) national conference in Kansas City, Missouri July 14th through the 17th. Nearly 6,500 school nutrition professionals are expected to be in attendance at the conference to taste-test new foods and recipe ideas for school menus and to learn more about strengthening meal programs in their own schools.
As a result of the Federal Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, schools across the United States are now required to align school meals with the latest nutrition science and include provisions that increase the consumption of fruits. Incorporating fruit into school meals has become a priority with the new National School Lunch Program.
“As a good source of Vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidant polyphenols, cranberries are a perfect addition to school breakfast and lunch menus as a part of improved healthy lifestyles,” said Scott Soares, Executive Director of the U.S. Cranberry Marketing Committee. “The cranberry’s versatility is also a huge plus. Dried, in sauce, frozen or fresh, cranberries are available year-round and count toward school foodservice fruit servings that are required by the USDA.”
The full-suite School Nutrition Cranberry Toolkit was developed by the U.S. Cranberry Marketing Committee (CMC) to provide school food service providers with information about the cranberry’s history, health benefits, storage, and use. The toolkit also includes a latest palate of cranberry recipes designed for school food service use that encourage thinking about a “reason for every season” for cranberry consumption. New recipes include a cranberry salsa chicken wrap, cranberry barbecue chicken, cranberries with brown rice and vegetables, and harvest cranberry pasta and vegetables. The CMC’s complete SNA toolkit is also available on its website.
Cranberry representatives from the U.S. Cranberry Marketing Committee will be on hand at the conference to distribute cranberry product samples and the new toolkit. “We hope to encourage more creative and delicious ways for future generations to enjoy cranberries and incorporate them into their meals beyond the traditional Thanksgiving turkey,” added Mr. Soares.
SNA’s 67th Annual National Conference (ANC) offers an opportunity to understand trends and challenges facing school nutrition programs nationwide. This year’s four-day program offers more than 90 education breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and the largest exhibit hall in school nutrition featuring booths packed with nutritious foods and beverages, services, equipment, and technology.
About the U.S. Cranberry Marketing Committee (CMC):
The CMC was established as a Federal Marketing Order in 1962 to ensure a stable, orderly supply of good quality product. Authority for its actions are provided under Chapter IX, Title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, referred to as the Federal Cranberry Marketing Order, which is part of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, as amended. This Act specifies cranberries as a commodity that may be covered, regulations that may be issued, guidelines for administering the programs, and privileges and limitations granted by Congress. For more information about the CMC, visit http://www.uscranberries.com. Follow at http://www.twitter.com/uscranberries and http://www.facebook/cranbecravers.
About the School Nutrition Association:
The School Nutrition Association (SNA) is a national, non-profit professional organization representing 55,000 school nutrition professionals across the country. Founded in 1946, SNA and its members are dedicated to making healthy school meals and nutrition education available to all students. For more information about ANC, visit http://www.schoolnutrition.org/anc.
Scott J. Soares, U.S. Cranberry Marketing Committee, +1 508-291-1510 11, [email protected]
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