Several associations plan Hill visits this week

The School Nutrition Association holds its 43rd Legislative Action Conference this week, adding more firepower to the flight over what belongs on school lunch trays. Nearly 1,000 people are expected to attend the conference; visits to congressional offices are scheduled for Tuesday.

SNA endorsed legislation introduced Monday by Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.) to roll back a requirement that all breads and other grain products be 100 percent whole-grain rich, and also blocks further reductions in allowable sodium levels.

The Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 is up for reauthorization this year. The SNA's call for more flexibility in meeting new nutrition standards is controversial, even among some association members.

Student loans and other aid will be in the spotlight for both the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and the Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities. APSCU is challenging new federal "gainful employment" regulations that require for-profit schools to show that students should be able to earn enough money to pay off their debt.

Medical and health care groups converging on the Hill this week include the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Academy of Neurology, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, American Medical Association (for its medical student advocacy day) American Osteopathic Association and American Academy of Physician Assistants.

Other associations holding fly-ins or legislative events: NACS—The Association for Convenience & Fuel Retailing, National Council of State Housing Agencies and the American Institute of Architects.