It’s not quite breaking news, nor a done deal, but changes are certainly happening on the U.S. political front concerning school lunches. Last week, on August 5, the Senate unanimously passed a bill to combat the problems of childhood malnutrition and obesity in this country. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act proposes an increase funding to schools by $4.5 billion that will not only go towards increasing the number of students with access to school food, but it will also better the nutritious quality of the food.
The Bill increases access to healthy food by implementing new standards in eligibility for free lunch programs as well as better food in both after school and summer sessions. The U.S. Department of Agriculture will enforce regulations for nutrition and health standards concerning the food offered.
One of the controversies with this bill is –Surprise! - Corporate involvement in school food programs. Offering the high sugar sodas and snacks to students is a large addition to the schools revenue. However, schools have found that eliminating the availability of the unhealthy snack food and drink leads to an increase in school lunch buyers. This leads to healthier eating habits and has shown an increase in revenue.
As one of the biggest barriers to providing fresh ingredients and made-from-scratch food is the demand for a more funding to cover the costs; with an increase in the budget, there is an opportunity here to gain greater access to less processed and more local food. Accompanying a bill such as this also should come with recognizing the need for programs that can increase health awareness, which could include education programs, school gardens, and exercise routines. Pairing this Bill with other action movements, such as Michelle Obama’s campaign is a huge step in the direction towards combating this national epidemic of not only obesity but also the increase in early on-set diseases such as diabetes in children.
The fight is not over yet; now the Bill will go to the House for vote. President Obama must sign the legislation before September 30, when the bill will expire. It is not expected to go to vote in the House until after the August recess, possibly not until September.
So keep an eye out for the vote and for the kids!
Sources:
Black, Jane. “Ky. Schools' Healthy Example Could Shape a National Policy.” The Washington Post. 29 June 2009. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/article/2009/06/28/AR2009062802929.html?sid=ST2009062803185
Legislative Bulletin. “The Lincoln Substitute Amendment to S. 3307, Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act.” Democratic Policy Committee. 5 Aug 2010. http://dpc.senate.gov/dpcdoc.cfm?doc_name=lb-111-2-134
Lowrey, Annie. “Senate Unanimously Passes Sweeping Child Nutrition Bill.” The Washington Independent. 5 Aug 2010. http://washingtonindependent.com/93897/senate-unanimously-passes-sweeping-child-nutrition-bill
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