It’s critical that all child nutrition programmes be reauthorised and signed into law by President Obama before they expire on 30 September. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act makes important reforms and strengthens child nutrition programmes by investing $4.5bn in programmes to reduce childhood hunger and childhood obesity.
Important provisions in the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act reflect United Fresh priorities and recommendations, including an increased reimbursement of $.06 per school lunch which is tied to serving healthier meals consistent with the dietary guidelines, including more fruits and vegetables. This is the first increase in the school lunch reimbursement rate in 40 years.
The bill also provides more training for schools to serve healthier meals, strengthens school wellness policies and establishes national nutrition standards for all food and beverages sold in schools.
Improving the nutritional quality of school meals and the school food environment is a top public policy priority for United Fresh and is critically important to promoting children’s health and reducing risk of obesity.
“For the last decade, we have been vocal advocates for improving school meals to meet the dietary guidelines and for increasing children’s access to fresh fruits and vegetables in programmes such as the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Snack Program,” said Dr Lorelei DiSogra, vice president of nutrition and health for United Fresh. “Time is running out for Congress to act. Child nutrition legislation is a must-pass for the health and well-being of kids across America. Passage of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act will start to improve children’s school meals and snacks right away.”
Source: United Fresh Produce Association
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