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Served! School Nutrition Summit Reportedly Excludes Michelle Obama’s Nutrition Adviser

Hayley Hoefer Contributor
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Sam Kass, the executive director of Let’s Move! and senior policy advisor for nutrition policy, will not have the opportunity to speak at the School Nutrition Association’s convention in Boston this week, reports Politico.

According to Politico, the organization — which represents school districts in every state — denied the celebrity chef’s request to “rally the troops” on nutrition standards.

Kass attended the School Nutrition Association’s convention in Denver in 2012. However, since teaming up with Michelle Obama to push for major school meal reforms, his relationship with cafeteria professionals has greatly soured.

As part of her aggressive campaign to fight childhood obesity, the first lady has endorsed legislation that requires school cafeterias to serve more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Such strict federal regulations have put quite a financial squeeze on schools, though. (RELATED: USDA Delays Whole Grain Requirement For School Lunches)

The School Nutrition Association has already asked Congress for regulatory relief because many students are refusing to eat the healthy yet less tasty meal options, causing schools to waste money and food. (RELATED: DC Children Avoiding Michelle Obama’s Healthy Lunches)

In light of the School Nutrition Association’s complaints to Congress and apparent snub of Kass, the Food Network likely won’t ask Klass to appear on another episode of “Chopped” with cafeteria workers.

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