Child Nutrition Bill Clears Senate, Awaits House Action

August 5, 2010: 04:30 AM EST

The U.S. Senate has finally approved a $4.5 billion bill – stuck in limbo since committee approval last March – mandating healthier school lunches. A similar bill awaits action in the House after committee approval in July. The bill, a crucial component of First Lady Michelle Obama’s anti-obesity initiative, would set new standards for school foods, including those in vending machines, so that pupils would have nutritious food and snack choices. The legislation also provides for an increase in the number of low-income students who can receive free or reduced-price meals. Although there was some concern among legislators that the bill was too expensive, Pres. Obama assured skeptics that it was paid for. The bill has unparalleled backing from large U.S. food and beverage companies.

MARY CLARE JALONICK, "Senate passes bill to make school lunches healthy", Associated Press, August 05, 2010, © Associated Press

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Child Nutrition Bill Clears Senate, Awaits House Action

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