Snap-O Fact #82

In order to build a healthier generation of kids, President Obama, with the encouragement of the First Lady Michelle Obama, signed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act into law on December 13, 2010. This act focuses on improving children's nutrition. This new legislation provides funding, policies, and standards for programs sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) such as National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program, School Breakfast Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

This important program has improved the quality and safety of breakfast and lunch for millions of kids in America. Compare and contrast this with the Congress' take on a related issue: "At a time when child nutrition and childhood obesity are national health concerns, Congress should be supporting the U.S. Department of Agriculture and school efforts to serve healthier school meals, not undermining them," said Margo Wootan, director of nutrition policy for the Center for Science in the Public Interest. "Together the school lunch riders in the agriculture spending bill will protect industry's ability to keep pizza and French fries on school lunch trays."