First Lady on the Child Nutrition Bill

Michelle Obama has published an article in the Washington Post to express her support for the Child Nutrition Bill, and to urge Congress to pass it. A year ago, the first lady made her point about fresh food by tearing up the South Lawn of the White House and replacing it with fruit and vegetable starts. To encourage a healthy lifestyle of eating well and staying active, Obama launched the “Let’s Move!” campaign to combat the rising obesity rate amongst US children.

To ensure children are eating right, school lunch programs need to be properly funded and have higher nutritional standards. That’s why Obama has called on Congress to pass the Child Nutrition Bill. Here’s more from the First Lady:

Right now, our country has a major opportunity to make our schools and our children healthier. It’s an opportunity we haven’t seen in years, and one that is too important to let pass by.

The Child Nutrition Bill working its way through Congress has support from both Democrats and Republicans. This groundbreaking legislation will bring fundamental change to schools and improve the food options available to our children.

To start, the bill will make it easier for the tens of millions of children who participate in the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program — and many others who are eligible but not enrolled — to get the nutritious meals they need to do their best. It will set higher nutritional standards for school meals by requiring more fruits, vegetables and whole grains while reducing fat and salt. It will offer rewards to schools that meet those standards. And it will help eliminate junk food from vending machines and a la carte lines — a major step that is supported by parents, health-experts, and many in the food and beverage industry.

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Related posts:

1. USDA Secretary Vilsack Outlines Top Priorities for Childhood Nutrition Act Reauthorization
2. Farm to School is on the Hill and Child Nutrition is on the Move
3. U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee Passes Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010

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