WASHINGTON, DC—The House of Representatives today approved the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (S. 3307), paving the way for President Obama to sign the legislation. The bill will improve school meals, support farmers through Farm to School programs, address skyrocketing obesity rates, and feed more hungry children.
The Community Food Security Coalition, whose members have worked tirelessly in support of child nutrition legislation in the 111th Congress, applauds the passage of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. As a co-host of the National Farm to School Network, CFSC has been particularly active in advocating new funding for Farm to School programs.
"Today, we celebrate a truly historic moment. We thank the sponsors of this legislation for providing leadership and including a first-time investment in Farm to School programs in the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. Funding this innovative and effective program 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.
“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. We congratulate Congress for providing tens of millions of dollars for Farm to School programs,” stated Marion Kalb, Co-Director of the National Farm to School Network.
With one in four children in this country at risk of hunger, and one in three obese or overweight, S. 3307 is a step in the right direction. However, the improvements it provides are paid for partly through cuts to food stamps. CFSC, its members and allies are committed to working with champions in the White House and Congress on timely measures to restore food stamp funding and protect federal nutrition programs from further cuts.
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The Community Food Security Coalition catalyzes food systems that are healthy, sustainable, just, and democratic by building community voice and capacity for change. The coalition’s diverse membership includes more than 400 social and economic justice, anti-hunger, environmental, community development, sustainable agriculture, community gardening, and other organizations.
Community Food Security Coalition
202-543-8602
allison.foodsecurity@gmail.com
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