FARM TO SCHOOL IN THE HOUSE

http://www.farmtoschool.org/press-detail.php?press_id=31
2010/06/10

FARM TO SCHOOL IN THE HOUSE

National Farm to School Network Commends Introduction of Improving Nutrition for America’s Children Act of 2010

WASHINGTON, DC (Thursday, June 10) House Education and Labor Committee Chairman George Miller (D-CA) today unveiled his bipartisan Improving Nutrition for America’s Children Act of 2010 at the Capitol’s steps. The Chairman was flanked by Rep. Todd Platts (R-PA), Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Rep. James McGovern (D-MA) as well as celebrity chef Rachel Ray. The legislation is directed at dramatically improving the quality of meals children eat both in and out of school and in childcare settings, supporting community efforts to reduce childhood hunger and, for the first time, establishing nutrition standards for all foods sold in schools. The bill would increase spending by nearly $8 billion over the next ten years for child nutrition programs and includes several important school meal program improvements, including funding for Farm to School programs.



The National Farm to School Network applauds the leadership of Rep. Miller and Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ) in this critical legislation, which includes $50 million in mandatory funding for a Farm to School competitive grant program.



"The National Farm to School Network is poised for a truly historic moment and we thank Rep. Miller for providing leadership and including a first-time investment in Farm to School programs in the Improving Nutrition for America’s Children Act of 2010. By funding this innovative and effective program the Chairman will benefit America’s children and farmers through providing healthy foods and creating new markets,” stated Anupama Joshi, Co-Director of the National Farm to School Network.



"We applaud Rep. Miller's inclusion of mandatory funding for Farm to School in the Improving Nutrition for America’s Children Act of 2010 as well as including language from Rep. Rush Holt’s Farm to School Improvements Act (H.R. 4710). By connecting schools with local farmers, the bill creates a win-win for our nation’s children and farmers and builds on a proven method of combating childhood obesity. As the Child Nutrition Reauthorization process continues to move forward, we look forward to continuing to work with the Chairman and members of Congress to provide $50 million for Farm to School programs and ensuring that a robust reauthorization addresses the needs of our nation’s children,” stated Marion Kalb Co-Director of the National Farm to School Network.



The legislation as introduced would create a competitive grant program housed at the United States Department of Agriculture. Schools, farmer organizations, and community groups would be eligible for assistance in improving school lunch by incorporating local and regionally grown foods into school meals, while also stimulating the local farm economy. A version of the child nutrition legislation is awaiting action on the Senate floor as well. Current child nutrition authorizations are set to expire on September 30, meaning Congress must act swiftly to take up and pass this important legislation.



The National Farm to School Network encourages a more direct connection between agriculture and federal nutrition at the local and regional levels and represents win-win scenarios for our country’s economy, agricultural community and children’s health. The following is a list of potential benefits that these programs can catalyze:



• Strengthen children’s and communities’ knowledge about, and attitudes toward, agriculture, food, nutrition and the environment.

• Increase children’s participation in the school meals program and consumption of fruits and vegetables, thereby improving childhood nutrition, reducing hunger, and preventing obesity and obesity-related diseases.

• Benefit school food budgets, after start-up, if planning and menu choices are made consistent with seasonal availability of fresh and minimally processed whole foods.

• Support economic development across numerous sectors and promote job creation.

• Increase market opportunities for farmers, fishers, ranchers, food processors and food manufacturers.

• Decrease the distance between producers and consumers, thus promoting food security while reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and reliance on oil.



ABOUT: The National Farm to School Network

The National Farm to School Network improves student health by reducing childhood obesity, supports community-based food systems, and strengthens family farms. The Network is a collaborative effort of the Urban & Environmental Policy Institute, Occidental College, and the Community Food Security Coalition (CFSC). With funding in part from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Network coordinates, promotes, and expands Farm to School programs at the state, regional, and national levels. Eight regional lead agencies and national staff provide free training and technical assistance, information services, networking, and support for policy, media, and marketing activities.