Susan Combs

The Texas Agriculture Commissioner blazes a new trail in school nutrition policies.

By Margaret Sheridan, Senior Editor -- Restaurants & Institutions, 5/1/2004

In June 2003, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs assumed responsibility for creating a nutrition policy for state public schools participating in federally subsidized breakfast, lunch and snack programs. Announced in March, the tough new guidelines take effect this August. They stipulate portion sizes for snacks, limit fat and sugar, and phase out deep-fat fryers. Some school foodservice directors wonder if the new rules are practically or financially workable. But Combs, a 59-year-old former assistant district attorney and longtime rancher, isn’t about to back down.

Q: Was child nutrition a priority when you were elected commissioner in 1999?
A: My original goals were farming, ranching and water issues. I wanted to connect Texas-raised foods and farmers with urban dwellers.

Q: When did you become involved with combating obesity?
A: In 2001, [the Texas Department of Agriculture] developed a campaign on healthy eating for kids. Brochures were distributed in Spanish and English. In mid-2002, I received $160 million from the federal government for development of specialty crops, and we put fresh fruits and vegetables in 11 school districts. [But our work] changed awareness, not behavior. Then I looked to see if there was any legislation that requires schools to [improve nutrition].

Q: Why are you so passionate about this issue?
A: As assistant district attorney, I handled child-abuse cases, and realized that my work could save lives. I’m like a dog that grabs on to a bumper—I don’t let go. Obesity is killing us.

Q: When did that passion become a crusade?
A: In June 2003, the governor asked me to take over responsibility for food
policy in schools. In July, I issued rules about candy and soft drinks. And in August, the vending survey came out. We wanted to see how much money vending brought in, how many schools were involved and the length of the contracts.

Q: What’s the issue with vending?
A: Money. [Superintendents] are short of cash, and vendors come with contracts. Total annual revenue from school vending contracts in Texas is estimated at $54 million. It’s our responsibility to make that environment healthier.

Q: How will cash-strapped schools recoup lost vending revenues?
A: Raise meal participation. If participation in free or fee-reduced meal programs is 100%, the federal government is required to send Texas $582 million. [Increased participation] starts with improving food and presentation.

Q: How were the new policies developed?
A: It took months of collaboration with experts and people interested in child nutrition. I also met with food processors and executives from soft-drink companies. I asked to see the specifications and nutritional values of their products.

Q: How did the manufacturers respond?
A: We sent out copies of the policy in February. I got zero response. When it was published on March 3, they became unglued. We even issued a clarification. So far, they haven’t responded.

Q: The new policy caps portion sizes. For example, 3 ounces for french fries and soft drinks no larger than 12 ounces. Is that really necessary?
A: You have to be reasonable, but you have to start kids off right. I’m 6’2” and I can’t finish a 20-ounce drink. Everything will be phased in. By 2007, all fruit and vegetable juices should contain 100% real juice. Fryers are phased out by 2009.

Q: What about kids who bring soda or high-fat foods from home?
A: That’s up to their parents. We hope people will be respectful. There won’t be a food police.

Q: What has been the feedback from foodservice?
A: It’s been great. In fact, foodservice professionals want us to go further. We’re dealing with the art of the possible. The policy works if it is practical, realistic and easy to use.