The American Public Health Association applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the bipartisan Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (S. 3307) by a 264 to 157 vote. The measure would greatly improve nutrition, physical activity and wellness for millions of children across the country.

The bill would continue to support the national school lunch program and provide free or reduced-price breakfasts and lunches to almost 31 million children across the country.

Expected to be signed into law by the president, the legislation would update the nutrition standards consistent with the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for all foods sold in schools; limit the sale of junk food in schools; increase the federal reimbursement rate for school lunches and provide more training to schools so they can serve more nutritious meals; improve and simplify the application process; increase the use of foods from local and regional sources; and support improved school nutrition and physical activity wellness policies.

"This critically important bill is a win-win for the health of our nation's children. It would significantly reduce the burden of child hunger in this country and help combat the childhood obesity epidemic that is growing at an alarming rate," said Georges C. Benjamin, MD, FACP, FACEP (E), executive director of APHA. "The public health community applauds the House for taking a huge step toward making child nutrition and wellness a top national priority by voting to reauthorize this bill."

APHA looks forward to when president signs the legislation into law once it reaches his desk.

Source:
American Public Health Association