Bill Text: NJ S4197 | 2018-2019 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Requires school districts to employ at least one certified nutrition specialist, registered dietitian, or registered dietitian nutritionist.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2019-11-07 - Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee [S4197 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2018-S4197-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Senator M. TERESA RUIZ
District 29 (Essex)
SYNOPSIS
Requires school districts to employ at least one certified nutrition specialist, registered dietitian, or registered dietitian nutritionist.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Act concerning the employment of dietitians and nutrition specialists in school districts, and supplementing chapter 40 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. a. A school district shall employ on a full-time or part-time basis at least one certified nutrition specialist, registered dietitian, or registered dietitian nutritionist.
b. As used in this section:
"Certified nutrition specialist" means an individual certified as such by the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists.
"Registered dietitian" means an individual registered as such with the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
"Registered dietitian nutritionist" means an individual registered as such with the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
2. This act shall take effect on the first day of the third school year next following the date of enactment.
STATEMENT
This bill requires school districts to employ on a full-time or part-time basis at least one certified nutrition specialist, registered dietitian, or registered dietitian nutritionist. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, students' dietary behaviors are associated with their academic performance. For example, inadequate consumption of specific foods, such as fruits, vegetables, or dairy products, is associated with lower grades among students. In addition, deficits of specific nutrients, such as vitamins A, B6, B12, C, folate, iron, zinc, and calcium, are associated with lower grades and higher rates of absenteeism and tardiness among students. The availability of a dietitian or nutritionist at a school district can help facilitate students' access to the foods and nutrients they need to succeed academically.
