The U.S. Department of Agriculture has published a proposed rule that would establish education standards and training requirements for district-level workers who manage and operate school lunch and breakfast programs.
Under the proposed rule, published Feb. 4, education requirements for food-service directors would vary by a district’s student enrollment. At the higher end, they would need at least a bachelor’s degree in one of several food-related fields or a B.A. in any area coupled with a state-recognized food-service certificate. In smaller districts, a high school diploma might be adequate. All districts would have to provide continuing education in such areas as free and reduced-price-lunch eligibility and nutrition.
The proposed rule will be out for public comment until April 7.
