The final version of the "Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010" has passed the U.S. House of Representatives and is awaiting action by President Obama.
This piece of legislation has been receiving a bit of attention because school nutrition is considered vitally important in fostering a healthy and positive learning environment for children to achieve their full potential. It is also related to concerns about childhood obesity.
A number of local officials and concerned citizens in New England and throughout the nation appreciate the intentions behind this act. There are some concerns, though, about the amount of funding the legislation provides for local school districts to comply with the new requirements. The U. S. Department of Agriculture reports the full cost of providing free lunches exceeds the federal reimbursement currently by more than 30 cents per meal. While the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 authorizes an increase of six cents per school lunch for districts that voluntarily adopt updated federal standards for school meals, the National School Boards Association estimates the actual increased cost of compliance ranges from 11-25 cents per meal, thus increasing the reimbursement gap that already exists.
To access the final version of this piece of legislation, please visit:
Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010
For information about the National School Boards Association’s position on nutrition standards in school, please visit:
For information about the federal school meals programs, please visit:
U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service: School Meals
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