Nutrition Edition The Official Georgia Department of Education School Nutrition Program Newsletter Volume 2, Issue 1 Fall 2012 Healthy Start to a New School Year HIGHLIGHTS l New Meal Pattern Resources l Farm to School l HealthierUS School Challenge 1 New Year, New Meals, New Opportunities This year is off to a great start as we execute the beginning of what is a monumental time in school nutrition. Under the leadership of the USDA, Georgia is successfully executing changes to school meals with our new and revised guidelines. The state staff has facilitated several training sessions to make sure our school cafeterias are equipped and ready to take on the task of continuing to meet federal regulations. We are here to provide your school districts with the most up-todate information and resources to assist you in tailoring the New Meal Pattern to your needs. I would also like to commend you for collectively spreading the word of these new guidelines to our communities. In addition, we are setting the standard for the nation as Georgia's ideas and tools are being used nationwide. Well Done Georgia!! The New Meal Pattern is a trending topic of conversation. So, I encourage you to use this platform as an opportunity to be a nutrition advocate who shares the value of your respective programs. This year has so many new opportunities. I am excited to see the wonderful things you do for your students in Georgia!! INSIDE THIS ISSUE New Meal Pattern Resources - pg. 4 Farm to School Updates - pg. 6-7 National School Lunch Week - pg. 8 Crunchy Critter - pg. 9 HealthierUS Schools Challenge - pg. 9-11 Pictured on the cover: Student showing produce from Wauka Mountain Elementary's School Garden. Hall County School Nutrition Director is Hillary Savage. Pictured on the back: Student eating school breakfast at Lake Forest Elementary. Fulton County's School Nutrition Director is Alyssia Wright. 2 Food and Nutrition Holidays October National Applejack Month National Caramel Month National Cookbook Month National Cookie Month National Dessert Month National Pasta Month National Pickled Peppers Month National Pizza Month National Popcorn Poppin' Month National Pork Month National Pretzel Month National Seafood Month November National Georgia Pecan Month National Fun with Fondue Month National Peanut Butter Lover's Month National Pepper Month National Stuffing Month National Raisin Bread Month November 1-7: National Fig Week December National Egg Nog Month National Fruit Cake Month Warehouse Regional Meetings and WBSCM Refresher Classes coming this fall! Register TODAY biti.mlCyh/pseonicrnptkfaroeynrgotmiurseartgtreiaio-stmnitoraanitl-imofonarcon l Get tips & hints about how to maximize your entitlement dollars. l Discuss region specific issues. l See the USDA foods line-up for SY 14. l Have an opportunity to get your questions answered about WBSCM ordering, reports, processing, and DOD. l Hear from your fellow Directors new and innovative ways to prepare USDA foods. 3 Georgia New Meal Pattern Resources to Promote Positive Changes HEALTHY Meals - Students - Schools GaDOE New Meal Pattern to assist schools in communicating the a Reimbursable Meal training resource. Resource Page positive changes to the School Nutrition National Dairy Council bit.ly/OurffF Program. Sample Breakfast Menus Provides resources to assist Georgia schools SNA New Meal Pattern bit.ly/UdSMEC in the implementation of the New Meal Resource Center Sample Breakfast Menus to assist school Pattern. Includes "Georgia Healthy" New bit.ly/OLGtNR food service professionals meet the latest Meal Pattern promotional materials and SNA's one-stop shop for materials and nutrition guidelines. information for training SNP professionals. news relating to the release of USDA's School Meals that Rock USDA Healthier School Day Campaign 1.usa.gov/S1MeM8 Includes media and community resources School Meal Pattern Final Regulation. National Food Service Management Institute New Meal Pattern Resource Page schoolmealsthatrock.org Highlighted examples of how school nutrition programs across the country are using the new nutrition guidelines in their nfsmi.org/mealpattern cafeterias. Resources to assist SNPs Food-Based Menu Planning (FBMP) required for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). It also provides an overview of the New The Five Meal Components for School Lunch Meal Pattern and is part of the Recognizing 1 2 3 "New-trition" Guidelines makes positive changes in school meals Grains Meat or Meat Alternate Milk School has started and the New Meal Pattern is in operation in schools across the nation. Students are receiving healthier and more nutritious food choices implemented by their respective School Nutrition Programs. These changes are a direct result of the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act, to transform school meals and decrease the rate of childhood obesity that is prevalent amongst the current generation of school-age children. 4 4 Fruits 5 Veggies ARTMENT DEP N OF E Georgia School Nutrition ProgrA+m DU C ATIO "In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination write: USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S. W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339 or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer." 5 Farm to School Program Increases in Georgia More than 3 million meals served with locally grown food According to Georgia Organics, more than 3 million meals served in Georgia schools included a locally grown ingredient. A collaboration of efforts from the Georgia Department of Education, Georgia Department of Agriculture, Georgia Organics, the USDA, and local school communities; Georgia continues to be a national leader for the Farm to School Program. Feed My School a success Three schools receive a week of GA Grown meals The Georgia Department of Agriculture piloted its first Feed My School For a Week in SY 2011. Participating elementary schools in Colquitt County, Hall County and Bleckley County served school lunches composed of 75-100 percent of Georgia Grown food. 6 Navigate your way to Farm to School Program Success Farm to School Handbook bit.ly/OyJYFr This handy book is a reference and information guide to assist in the development and implementation of Farm to School. It contains information, resources and advice that will assist in getting started or expand an already existing F2S program in Georgia. Georgia Organics georgiaorganics.org Georgia Organics is a member supported, non-profit organization connecting organic food from Georgia farms to Georgia families. National Farm to School Network farmtoschool.org The National Farm to School Network supports the implementation of Farm to School in all 50 states and the District of Columbia through focused work in the following priority areas: 1) policy development; 2) training and technical assistance; 3) information development and dissemination; 4) networking; 5) media and marketing; and 6) research and evaluation. National Agriculture in the Classroom agclassroom.org National Agriculture in the Classroom supports state programs by providing a network that seeks to improve agricultural literacy -- awareness, knowledge, and appreciation -- among PreK-12 teachers and their students. Food Routes foodroutes.org Food Routes is a national nonprofit dedicated to reintroducing Americans to their food, the seeds it grows from, the farmers who produce it, and the routes that carry it from the fields to our tables. Feed My School announces new program for 2012-2013 school year Pictured Above: Local farmer speaks with students during the Feed My School For a Week Kick-Off Event at Norman Park Elementary School in Colquitt County. State Department of Agriculture their food comes from. Commissioner Gary W. Black announced today that the Department (GDA) is now accepting new applications for school districts interested in participating in this year's "Feed My School for a Week" program in Georgia. "After last year's success, we wanted to further expand the program. Not only does it allow students to learn about where their food comes from, but also how it is grown here in Georgia and how it makes its way to the final destination in a school The new 2012-2013 Feed My School cafeteria," Commissioner Black said. program builds upon the pilot program "It is about offering fresh, healthy that kicked off last year, featuring foods that are locally produced while three Georgia schools in Bleckley, Hall raising awareness about nutrition." and Colquitt counties. The program was initiated through a partnership between the GDA and the Georgia Department of Education. "Children learn better when their bodies and minds are fueled by nutritional meals. Feed My School first launched last This program year with a goal to help bridge the helps create a gap in the nutritional value and better school quality of food served in Georgia environment so schools, while providing more farm to that students cafeteria opportunities. The end result can reach will be healthier Georgia students, new heights decreased barriers in farm to school academically," efforts and increased awareness as said State School students learn and experience, both Superintendent educationally and nutritionally, where Dr. John Barge. Pictured To The Right: Feed My School For a Week Assembly at Wauka Mountain Elementary School in Hall County. "It also helps us expose children to science through agriculture." During the 2011-2012 school year, more than 1,600 students from Bleckley County Elementary, Wauka Mountain Elementary (Hall County) and Norman Park Elementary (Colquitt County) schools were directly involved. During each county's weeklong program, more than 7,500 school lunches were served with 34 school gardens involved, 700 students went on farm field trips and agriculture literature was distributed to school classrooms and libraries. In addition to new school systems participating in the program this year, the GDA plans to continue working with first year participants for the next three years. During this time, last year's participating counties will continue building their farm-to-school approaches, illustrating sustainable farm to cafeteria efforts while continuing to identify needs and best practices. Bleckley, Hall and Colquitt county school systems are planning to all participate in "National Farm to School Month" in October and starting in the spring, will once again highlight Georgia Grown products both in the classroom and cafeteria. To learn more about the program, please visit www.agr.georgia.gov/feedmy-school-for-a-week.aspx. From the GA Department of Agriculture We would like to hear about your experience, success, and outcomes of the program at your school so that we may highlight you and share your Farm to School efforts with others. Send pictures and stories of your Farm to School activities to Laura Tanase at ltanase@doe.k12.ga.us. 7 National School Lunch Week Georgia is Cooking Up a Week Long Celebration for School Lunch A BIG SUCCESS National School Lunch Week Campaign Aims to Get Kids Excited About Healthy Choices. Each year, there are more than 500 billion school lunches served nationwide via the National School Lunch Program. In recognition of the positive changes Georgia's School Nutrition Program has made to its own school lunch program, the state celebrated National School Lunch Week (NSLW) from October 15th-19th. The 2012 theme, "School Lunch What's Cooking?" included events and activities that promoted the benefits of healthy school lunches. The campaign put a spotlight on the healthy foods and positive changes that Georgia schools have incorporated into their menus. Serving more than 31 million children every school day, the federally-funded National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides nutritionally balanced, healthy meals. The program, which has been serving the nation's children for over 60 years, requires school meals to meet the USDA's new nutrition standards by: Ensuring students are offered both fruits and vegetables every day of the week; Pictured Above: Students enjoying lunch at Dave's Creek Elementary School in Forsyth County. Substantially increasing offerings of whole grain-rich foods; Offering only fat-free or low-fat milk varieties; Limiting calories based on the age of children being served to ensure proper portion size; and Milk Processors Education Program (MilkPEP) to highlight all the components of well-balanced school meals. For more information Increasing the focus on reducing the amounts of saturated fat, trans fats and sodium. about healthy The "School Lunch What's Cooking?" campaign is sponsored by the non-profit School Nutrition Association and the school meals, visit: TrayTalk.org. Georgia Schools Receive USDA Best Practice Awards Autrey Mill Middle School Fulton County School Nutrition Program Customer Service Forsyth County Schools Promoting a Healthy School Environment Rockdale County Public Schools School Breakfast and School Lunch Week Events Cherokee County School District Farm to School Programs Gwinnett County Public Schools Farm to School Programs Dougherty County Schools Farm to School Programs Fulton County Schools Farm to School Programs 8 Cobb County Schools Food Safety (HACCP Implementation) Rabun County Elementary Rabun County Schools Increasing Participation in School Breakfast Johnson Elementary Floyd County Schools Increasing Participation in School Breakfast Dougherty County Schools Increasing Participation in School Breakfast Sonoraville Elementary Gordon County Schools Increasing Participation in School Breakfast Liberty County Schools Increasing Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Atlanta Public Schools Leadership, Development and Program Management Coffee County Schools School Breakfast and School Lunch Week Events Cobb County School Schools Promoting a Healthy School Environment Dalton City Schools Promoting a Healthy School Environment Carrollton City Schools Promoting a Healthy School Environment Dorsett Shoals Elementary School Douglas County Schools Promoting a Healthy School Crunchy Critter Looking for ideas to promote nutrition, healthy eating, and physical activity at your school? Consider scheduling a visit from Crunchy Critter, the Georgia Department of Education School Nutrition Program mascot, or Power PantherTM, the Eat Smart. Play Hard.TM campaign spokes-character. GaDOE SNP has the Crunchy Critter and Power PantherTM costumes available to be reserved for use in your school system. Costumes are an interactive and fun vehicle for nutrition education at school events, in the cafeteria and classrooms. For more information on how to reserve one of the costumes, please visit the GaDOE SNP website, Food and Nutrition Business Support Unit, Nutrition Wellness, Nutrition Education Resources section at: http://tinyurl.com/gasnp-fnbsu USDA Exceeds First Lady's HealthierUS School Challenge Goal More than 3,700 Schools Have Received Honors for Expanding Nutrition and Health July 16, 2012 USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Janey Thornton yesterday announced that 3,717 schools are now certified in the HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC), an initiative that boosts the health and nutrition of the nation's schoolchildren. The HUSSC is one of the key parts of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative to end childhood obesity within a generation. "USDA committed to working with schools across the nation to reach the goal of having 2,250 HealthierUS School Challenge-certified schools by the end of June 2012," said Thornton. "USDA and its partners not only succeeded in meeting that milestone, but have also surpassed the goal set for June 2013, a year ahead of schedule." In February 2010, the First Lady and USDA challenged stakeholders to double the number of HUSSC schools within a year and then add 1,000 schools per year for the following two years. Schools participating in the Challenge are recognized with Gold of Distinction, Gold, Silver, or Bronze certification. Schools participating in the challenge voluntarily adopt USDA standards for their efforts in improving food and beverage offerings, teaching kids about nutritious food choices and being physically active, providing opportunities for physical activity, and having supportive school wellness policies. "By prioritizing nutrition and physical activity for their children, leaders in these schools and the communities that support them are playing a crucial role in building a healthier next generation," said Thornton. "Through their leadership, we are confident that schools across the nation will be able to implement the new standards for nutrition and ensure that the 32 million lunches and 13 million breakfasts served in schools every day will continue to play a key role in the fight against obesity in this country." Reducing childhood obesity and improving the nutrition of all Americans are vital to achieving a healthy future for America. USDA is working to implement historic reforms mandated by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act that will mark the most comprehensive change to food in schools in more than a generation. These reforms include updated nutrition standards for school meals to increase fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy; performance-based funding increases for schools the first real increase in 30 years; and training and technical assistance to help schools meet improved standards. USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) oversees the administration of 15 nutrition assistance programs, including school meals programs, that touch the lives of one in four Americans over the course of a year. These programs work in concert to form a national safety net against hunger. Visit www.fns.usda.gov for information about FNS and nutrition assistance programs. From the USDA Office of Communications See GA's 169 HealthierUS Schools on pages 10-11. 9 169 Georgia schools receive HealthierUS School Challenge awards Atlanta Public Schools (6/12 6/16) Adamsville Elementary School (Bronze) A.F. Herndon Elementary School (Bronze) Beecher Hills Elementary School (Bronze) Bolton Academy Elementary School (Bronze) Burgess-Peterson Academy (Bronze) Capitol View Elementary School (Bronze) Cascade Elementary school (Bronze) Centennial Place Elementary School (Bronze) Charles R. Drew Charter Elementary School (Silver) Cleveland Elementary School (Bronze) Continental Colony Elementary School (Bronze) Cook Elementary School (Bronze) Deerwood Elementary School (Bronze) D.H. Stanton Elementary School (Silver) East Lake Elementary School (Silver) E.L. Connally Elementary School (Silver) E. Rivers Elementary School (Bronze) Fickett Elementary School (Silver) Frank L. Stanton Elementary School (Silver) Frederick Wilson Benteen Elementary School (Bronze) Garden Hills Elementary School (Bronze) George Alexander Towns Elementary School (Silver) Charles L. Gideon Elementary School (Silver) Grove Park Elementary School (Silver) Heritage Elementary School (Silver) Hill-Hope Elementary School (Silver) Hutchinson Elementary School (Bronze) John Wesley Dobbs Elementary School (Bronze) Joseph W. Humphries Elementary School (Bronze) L.O. Kimberly Elementary School (Bronze) L.P. Miles Elementary School (Bronze) M. Agnes Jones Elementary School (Bronze) Margaret Fain Elementary School (Bronze) Mary Lin Elementary School (Bronze) Mary M. Bethune Elementary School (Silver) Morningside Elementary School (Bronze) Morris Brandon School (Bronze) Parkside Elementary School (Bronze) Paul L. Dunbar Elementary School (Silver) Perkerson Elementary School (Bronze) Peyton Forest Elementary School (Bronze) Sarah Smith Elementary School (Bronze) Slater Elementary School (Bronze) Springdale Park Elementary School (Bronze) Thomasville Elementary School (Silver) Toomer Elementary School (Bronze) Usher-Collier Heights Elementary School (Bronze) Venetian Hills Elementary School (Silver) Walter F. White Elementary School (Bronze) Warren T. Jackson Elementary School (Bronze) West Manor Elementary School (Silver) Whitefoord Elementary School (Silver) William M. Finch Elementary School (Silver) William J. Scott Elementary School (Bronze) William T. Boyd Elementary School (Bronze) Woodson Elementary School (Silver) Cobb County School District (6/12 6/16) Addison Elementary School (Bronze) Argyle Elementary School (Bronze) Austell Intermediate School (Bronze) Austell Primary School (Bronze) Baker Elementary School (Bronze) Bells Ferry Elementary School (Bronze) Belmont Hills Elementary School (Bronze) Birney Elementary School (Bronze) Blackwell Elementary School (Bronze) Brown Elementary School (Bronze) Brumby Primary School (Bronze) Bryant Primary School (Bronze) Chalker Elementary School (Bronze) Cheatham Hill Elementary School (Bronze) Clay Elementary School (Bronze) Compton Elementary School (Bronze) Davis Elementary School (Bronze) Dowell Elementary School (Bronze) Due West Elementary School (Bronze) Eastvalley Elementary School (Bronze) Fair Oaks Elementary School (Bronze) Garrison Mill Elementary School (Bronze) Green Acres Elementary School (Bronze) Harmony Leland Elementary School (Bronze) Hayes Elementary School (Bronze) Hollydale Elementary School (Bronze) Keheley Elementary School (Bronze) Kennesaw Elementary School (Bronze) Kincaid Elementary School (Bronze) LaBelle School (Bronze) Mableton Elementary School (Bronze) Milford Elementary School (Bronze) Mount Bethel Elementary School (Bronze) Mountain View School (Bronze) Murdock Elementary School (Bronze) Nicholson Elementary School (Bronze) Nickajack Elementary School (Bronze) Norton Park School (Bronze) Pickett's Mill Elementary School (Bronze) Pitner Elementary School (Bronze) Powder Springs Elementary School (Bronze) Powers Ferry School (Bronze) Riverside Intermediate Elementary School (Bronze) Riverside Primary Elementary School (Bronze) Rocky Mount Elementary School (Bronze) Russell Elementary School (Bronze) Sanders Elementary School (Bronze) Sedalia Park Elementary School (Bronze) Sope Creek School (Bronze) Still Elementary School (Bronze) Teasley Elementary School (Bronze) Timber Ridge Elementary School (Bronze) Tritt Elementary School (Bronze) Varner School (Bronze) Savannah Chatham County School District (6/12 6/16) Jacob G. Smith Elementary School (Bronze) Baldwin County School District (5/12 5/16) Blandy Hill Elementary School (Bronze) Creekside Elementary School (Bronze) Eagle Ridge Elementary School (Bronze) Midway Elementary School (Bronze) 10 Bibb County HealthierUS Schools Challenge Kilough Elementary School District School (Bronze) (5/12 5/16) Alexander II Magnet Take the HealthierUS School Challenge Dawson County Middle School (Silver) School (Bronze) Agnes Barden Elementary Prove to students, parents, teachers, administrators, and the community that your school is one of the best in the Nation, committed to nutrition and physical activity! Robinson Elementary School (Silver) School (Bronze) Brookdale Elementary Apply for a Bronze, Silver, Gold--or even the highest of honors--a Gold of Distinction award. Carrollton City Schools (10/11 School (Bronze) Burdell-Hunt Elementary School (Bronze) Charles H. Bruce Elementary School (Bronze) Dr. John H. Heard Be enrolled as a Team Nutrition School (don't worry, it's free!) Offer reimbursable lunches that demonstrate the principles of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and meet USDA nutrition standards Provide nutrition education to students Provide students opportunities to engage in physical activity Maintain an Average Daily Participation for reimbursable lunches: All schools: No ADP criteria for schools applying at the Bronze level. 10/15) Carrollton High School (Gold) Carrollton City Schools (7/11 7/15) Carrollton Junior High Elementary School (Bronze) Elam Alexander Academy at Burke (Bronze) Florence Bemd Elementary School (Bronze) Heritage Elementary Elementary and Middle Schools: At least 60 percent (of school enrollment) at the Silver level or 70 percent for Gold and Gold of Distinction level. High Schools: At least 45 percent (of school enrollment) at the Silver level or 65 percent at the Gold and Gold of Distinction level. Adhere to guidelines established by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) for all foods served/sold in schools Implement a Local Wellness Policy What is the Challenge? School (Gold) Lamar County School System (6/11 6/15) Lamar County Primary School (Bronze) Thomas County School School (Bronze) Ingram-Pye Elementary Obesity is a growing health concern for children in the United States. The USDA believes that schools can take a leadership role in helping students learn to make healthier eating District (6/11 6/15) School (Bronze) James H. Porter Elementary School and active lifestyle choices. Many schools have already improved their school nutrition environments, found ways to increase opportunities for physical activity, and provided more nutritious and healthier choices for their students. Cross Creek Elementary School (Bronze) Thomas County Middle (Bronze) Jessie Rice Elementary School (Bronze) FNS encourages schools to make these changes and has established the HealthierUS School Challenge to recognize schools that improve their school environment with nutritious foods, physical activity, and nutrition education. School (Bronze) Carrollton City Schools Joseph B. Riley Elementary School (Bronze) Review the complete criteria on the Team Nutrition Web site at: teamnutrition.usda.gov (5/11 5/15) Carrollton Elementary School (Gold) King-Danforth Gordon County Elementary School Blakeney Elementary School (Gold) School District (Bronze) Burke County Middle School (Gold) (8/10 8/14) L.H. Williams Elementary School Sardis Girard Alexander Elementary Belwood Elementary School (Bronze) (Bronze) School (Gold) Fairmount Elementary School (Bronze) Matilda Hartley Elementary School Waynesville Primary School (Gold) Red Bud Elementary School (Bronze) (Bronze) Carrollton City Schools (12/11 Sonoraville Elementary School (Bronze) McKibben Lane Elementary School 12/15) Tolbert Elementary School (Bronze) (Bronze) Carrollton Middle School (Gold) W. L. Swain Elementary School (Bronze) Minnie Burghard Elementary School Dawson County Schools (12/11 (Bronze) 12/15) Northwoods Academy (Bronze) Black's Mill Elementary School (Gold Rosa Taylor Elementary School (Bronze) Award of Distinction) Skyview Elementary School (Bronze) Riverview Elementary School (Gold Springdale Elementary School (Bronze) Award of Distinction) Sonny Carter Elementary School (Bronze) Riverview Middle School (Gold Award of Union Elementary School (Bronze) Distinction) Vineville Academy (Bronze) Thomas County School Walter P. Jones Elementary School District (12/11 12/15) (Bronze) Hand in Hand Primary School (Bronze) W.T. Morgan Elementary School (Bronze) Garrison Pilcher Elementary School Griffin-Spalding County School (Bronze) District (5/12 5/16) Thomas County Central High Jackson Road Elementary School (Bronze) School (Bronze) Burke County School District Dawson County (12/11 12/15) Schools (11/11 11/15) 11 Building Healthy Student Minds & Bodies National School Lunch Program l School Breakfast Program l Special Milk Program l Afterschool Snacks USDA Foods l Farm to School l Seamless Summer Option l Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent "Making Education Work for All Georgians" Nutrition Edition newsletter is a quarterly publication intended for school nutrition program directors and managers, and community partners. Questions or comments should be directed to: Sommer Delgado School Nutrition Program Communications Project Manager 404-656-2470 sdelgado@doe.k12.ga.us . In accordance with State and Federal law, the Georgia Department of Education prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its educational and employment activities. Inquiries regarding the application of these practices may be addressed to the General Counsel of the Georgia Department of Education, 2052 Twin Towers East, Atlanta, Georgia, 30334, (404) 656-2800. "In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination write: USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S. W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339 or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 12