Finally, Some Good News: Obama Signs Child Nutrition Bill

Once President Obama's pen signed the Nutrition Bill, I yelped pure joy! This is the single most thing I have looked forward to in the White House and I am thrilled about the progress that is going to be made. This bill has been in the works for some time! Finally, children all over the world are able to receive the proper balanced nutrition so they can thrive. First Lady, Michelle Obama has been working rigorously trying to bring awareness about this issue and now her hard work has prevailed. Prior to the Bill being passed Michelle Obama exclaimed, "We can all agree that in the wealthiest nation on earth all children should have the basic nutrition they need to learn and grow and to pursue their dreams," said Mrs. Obama. "Because in the end, nothing is more important than the health and well-being of our children. Nothing," 
Bravo. Bravo. 

Here's what AP has to say...

"The $4.5 billion measure increases the federal reimbursement for free school lunches by 6 cents a meal at a time when many school officials say they can't afford to provide the meals. The bill will also expand access to free lunch programs and allow 20 million additional after-school meals to be served annually in all 50 states. Most states now only provide money for after-school snacks."  

President Obama immediately after signing The Nutrition Bill 

To read more on this or to watch a video of The President go here. 
So what does this new law really entail? 
Here are some facts from the actual bill posted on the White House's website: 

• Improves Nutrition and Focuses on Reducing Childhood Obesity 
• Gives USDA the authority to set nutritional standards for all foods regularly sold in schools  during the school day, including vending machines, the “a la carte” lunch lines, and school stores. 
• Provides additional funding to schools that meet updated nutritional standards for federally- subsidized lunches.  This is an historic investment, the first real reimbursement rate increase in over 30 years. 
•  Helps communities establish local farm to school networks, create school gardens, and ensures that more local foods are used in the school setting. 
• Builds on USDA work to improve nutritional quality of commodity foods that schools receive from USDA and use in their breakfast and lunch programs. 
•  Expands access to drinking water in schools, particularly during meal times. 
•  Sets basic standards for school wellness policies including goals for nutrition promotion and 
• education and physical activity, while still permitting local flexibility to tailor the policies to their 
• particular needs. 
• Promotes nutrition and wellness in child care settings through the federally-subsidized Child and Adult Care Food Program. 
• Expands support for breastfeeding through the WIC program. 

Menu Template made for new lunch food

Now thats what I call "change" ...


FDS