After lobbying by First Lady, Michelle Obama, on Thursday, the Senate passed the much discussed child nutrition act, entitled the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010.
Reaching the Senate in March, the Child Nutrition Act gained momentum this week when Michelle Obama voiced her support and President Obama himself placed a call Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma, previously opposed, to persuade him to cast a positive vote.
According to the Associated Press, First Lady, Michelle Obama commented on Thursday that she was pleased that the bill had passed, calling it "a groundbreaking piece of legislation that will help us provide healthier school meals to children across America" and that it "will play an integral role in our efforts to combat childhood obesity." (AP News: Senate Passes Bill to Make School Lunches Healthy)
Childhood obesity has been a main project of Mrs. Obama's since her husband took over the Presidency in January 2009, headlining a movement entitled "Let's Move!"
The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 dedicates $4.5 billion over the next ten years to providing more nutritious food for students at school. Although, instead of doing away with unhealthy items completely, it plans to make them healthier by using healthier ingredients. It would also address unhealthy items in school vending machines like candy and snack items in hopes of replacing them with healthier alternatives.
Another part of the act entails expanding the number of low-income families eligible for free or reduced lunches. There will also be a program with after school meals for students who meet the requirements.
The legislation now moves on to the House for its next vote. It's expected to pass there as well.
To see what your child is eating at school:
Nutrition information for Killeen Independent School District
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