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Obama: Nutrition Bill Vital to Children's Future
Filed under: Nutrition: Health, In The News, Nutrition: Toddlers & Preschoolers, Nutrition: Big Kids, Nutrition: Tweens, Nutrition: Teens
President Barack Obama, center, with first lady Michelle Obama, right, applaud after the president signed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Act of 2010, during a ceremony at Harriet Tubman Elementary School in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of Washington, Monday, Dec. 13, 2010. Credit: AP
"At a very basic level, this act is about doing what's right for our children," Obama said before signing the bill. The ceremony was moved from the White House, where most signings are held, to an elementary school in the District of Columbia to underscore the point.
Besides Obama, the bill also was a priority for his wife, Michelle, who launched a national campaign this year against childhood obesity.
"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,"
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.
Many Republicans, including former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, have criticized the effort and the fundraiser limits in particular, saying the bill is too expensive and an example of government overreach.
Supporters say the law is needed to stem rising health care costs due to expanding American waistlines and to feed hungry children in tough economic times. Mrs. Obama cited a group of former generals and military officials who have said unhealthy school lunches are a national security threat because weight problems are now the leading medical reason that recruits are rejected.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL. This article was written by MARY CLARE JALONICK, Associated Press.
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ReaderComments (Page 1 of 1)
12-14-2010 @ 11:25AM
Jim said...This is the way government works best. It is in the country's best interest to make sure children have good nutrition so that they are healthier and learn more. Hungry children can't learn or grow up to be productive members of society.
Reply
12-15-2010 @ 1:17PM
milakette said...Wow, how wonderful! Now the Chosen One, the Messiah, He Who Can Walk On Water will take care of our children! Everything will be all right, people! Children will no longer get sick of fat! Shame on Americans for allowing this kind of government overtaking our lives! The Founder would be ashamed of this country.
Reply
12-15-2010 @ 4:37PM
Michelle said...You are seriously going to criticize the President for wanting to feed our kids healthy foods in school You've got to be kidding me? What's the harm?? It's for the better good. You still have control over your kids's lunches, mila. Simply send a bagged lunch with all the Twinkies and corn dogs you want. I'm for one glad to know that my tax dollars will not be spent to feed our kids this type of garbage with no nutritional value.
12-15-2010 @ 6:32PM
Alicia said...Yet chances are you're pro-life, pro-abstinence only education and anti-hormonal birth control, but would be totally okay with the government telling women what to do with their bodies and forcing teachers to teach AO instead of comprehensive sex ed.