(a)
The Department of Education shall formulate the basic elements of nutrition education programs for child nutrition entities participating in programs established under this article. Such programs shall coordinate classroom instruction with the food service program and shall be of sufficient variety and flexibility to meet the needs of pupils in the total spectrum of education, including early childhood, elementary and secondary schools, special education classes and programs and child development programs.
(b)
Nutrition education programs shall be maintained on a project approval basis. The State Board of Education shall establish rules and regulations for nutrition education projects. Such projects shall be approved by the State Board of Education upon recommendation of the Department of Education. County offices of education may apply for and receive funds on behalf of school districts under their jurisdiction in order to implement projects.
Projects may include, but need not be limited to, innovative ways to coordinate the school meal service program with the nutrition education program; development of community resources for purposes of nutrition education; instructional programs for teachers, parents, food service employees; and training and utilization of paraprofessionals to assist the instructional staff.