The American Dietetic Association commends the U.S. Senate for its bipartisan action Thursday, August 5, to reauthorize the nation's crucial child nutrition programs. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 covers programs reaching millions of children that were scheduled expire September 30.
Programs covered by the legislation include schools meals, WIC, child-care settings and after-school programs.
The American Dietetic Association has been working with Congress and the Obama Administration on reauthorization of child nutrition programs, calling it "a key step in addressing the health concerns of our nation's children, including hunger, childhood obesity and poor diet quality."
"This is a historic achievement for our nation's health," said registered dietitian and American Dietetic Association President Judith C. Rodriguez.
"The American Dietetic Association is a strong advocate for policies that improve the lives of Americans through food and nutrition, and few if any issues matter more than children's health. The Child Nutrition Reauthorization bill is a key step in addressing the health concerns of our nation's children, including hunger, childhood obesity and poor diet quality.
"Congress must complete Child Nutrition Reauthorization this summer in order for program benefits to reach children in the 2010-2011 school year," Rodriguez said.
ADA particularly applauds provisions in the legislation that expand nutrition standards to all foods sold in schools; strengthen nutrition education in child nutrition programs; increase meal reimbursement rates for meals meeting specific nutrition standards; and bolster nutrition guidance for child care providers.
"Improving children's nutrition and health is a priority of the American Dietetic Association and our members. We are actively involved in developing and implementing innovative solutions and creative nutrition interventions in all areas of children's nutrition," Rodriguez said.
For example, the ADA Foundation, American Council for Fitness and Nutrition and PE4life have joined together on the Healthy Schools Partnership program, working together to offer long-term solutions to the youth obesity epidemic. The program places registered dietitians in schools as "RD Nutrition Coaches," working with physical education teachers to help children change eating behaviors with short, one-on-one sessions while being physically active. For more information on the program, visit www.eatright.org/foundation.
Meals provided in early education and childcare centers do not meet national dietary recommendations