tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041351940135831902.post486694372713935243..comments2024-02-13T17:18:33.498-05:00Comments on Better D.C. School Food: Investigation Reveals How Food Industry Rebates Thwart Healthy School MealsEd Bruskehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12217850970833353800noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041351940135831902.post-22239412398806605302011-03-17T10:34:47.087-04:002011-03-17T10:34:47.087-04:00Well I agree with all that has been said but for o...Well I agree with all that has been said but for one thing. The article makes it sounds as if the rebates are in effect influence monies. More often than not this is the exception not the rule. Rebates are for the most part used as a way for the food service vendor or management company or distributor to meet a competitive price situation. Depending on the venue it is the schools that put the contract out for bid. Often times these items that are rebated are high velocity but low margin items from the distributor so to meet competitive situations rebates are offered. Back door money has been going on for years and I am not saying there isn't a better way to do this but for the author of this article to make it about manufacturers trying to skew kids diet is irresponsible. At the end of the day manufacturers could care less what kids eat or don't eat as long as they are profitable.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041351940135831902.post-30191699744511188442011-03-16T07:56:16.404-04:002011-03-16T07:56:16.404-04:00This issue is of constant concern. Purchasing con...This issue is of constant concern. Purchasing contracts may contain the language regarding return of rebate and discount monies to school districts but that does not absolve the districts from constant oversight and due diligence. <br /><br />The basic fact is, if the manufacturers/vendors think nobody's looking, every advantage to score additional revenue. The most unfortunate thing is that these manufacturers are the very same ones that court districts and school business, constantly reassuring that they are a "partner" in bringing good nutrition to the children served by the food service program. <br /><br />The biggest red flag for me is when I'm approached by anyone that continues to insist that their products are exactly what I need to do a good job in meeting the needs of our students, and know this without ever once asking ME what my needs are!<br /><br />So now on top of everything else that is required, CN Directors must be very diligent to enforce the language of the contracts written to assure that every single penny that is due back to the districts is actually returned. Internal Audits are really the best tool for accomplishing this. Unfortunately, most of the CN program directors in this nation are not degreed in accounting and are working in small (15 schools or less) districts. This may very well mean that there is no one other than the state auditor to conduct the in-depth checking that is required to track this money. Rock : Hard Place where : = CN Directors, particularly since the audits conducted by the state usually end up punishing the district and put the whole thing back in lap of the CN Director.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041351940135831902.post-45934899780882290412011-03-15T15:16:40.147-04:002011-03-15T15:16:40.147-04:00Excellent article! I have long been concerned abo...Excellent article! I have long been concerned about this issue...and the flip side, which is that branded products (usually junk foods) are served in school lunches.<br /><br />Ever wonder why goldfish are so much more popular than other snack crackers? (I'm guessing because they have a near-stranglehold on school lunch.)Michele Hayshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18126354869695851890noreply@blogger.com