What to do - 4 of 5 - Support Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids

School nutrition hit the news in a major way today. As Congress moves to reauthorize the USDA Child Nutrition Programs (school breakfast and lunch, childcare meals, WIC, etc.), the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act was introduced in the Senate.

While many details remain to be worked out (including funding levels), it is very clear that there is plenty of backing for expanding and enhancing these critical programs that help all children be well-nourished and ready to succeed.

It's exciting to hear so much support for funding more nutrient-rich meals, for encouraging local foods in school cafeterias, and for promoting school gardens. I know from my work with schools districts across the country that when children have access to these options, they eat them up! And, while these programs are important for all kids - they are an essential lifeline for low-income, at-risk children.

School nutrition directors are eager to have the funding and the mandate to take even more actions for healthy kids in their schools. You can urge your Congressional representatives to champion these efforts as one important way to promote healthy weights for all children. For more details, read the Comments page posted here - or follow the progress of Reauthorization at FRAC (Food Research and Action Center).