WASHINGTON—USDA will hold a series of school nutrition events throughout the country to highlight the Obama Administration's efforts to improve school meals as Congress considers reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act. USDA leaders will outline a number of steps to reduce hunger and improve the health and nutrition of our nation's children.
"With childhood hunger and obesity on the rise we owe it to our child to ensure our nutrition programs address these challenges," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "The President and First Lady have asked the American people to join in this effort not only for our children, but for the future of our country. And this year presents an unprecedented opportunity to improve the health and well being of our children when Congress considers legislation to improve the Child Nutrition Act."
USDA leadership will host the school nutrition events in regions throughout the country where participants will include food service workers, school officials, community and advocacy members, federal, state and local officials, parents and students.
"Reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act allows us to enhance the nutritional quality of school meals and improve the overall health of our school environments," said Undersecretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services Kevin Concannon. "We must also continue to work toward reducing barriers and ensuring that all eligible children can participate in our school meals programs."
USDA's nutrition programs help form a national safety net against hunger. Altogether, more than 31 million children are served through the National School Lunch Program and 11 million children are served through the National School Breakfast Program. Administration priorities include eliminating barriers that keep children from participating in school nutrition programs, improving the quality of school meals and the health of the school environment, and enhancing program performance.
Click here for dates and locations for the school nutrition events.