U.S. Sen. Harkin: Reforming nutrition for kids in schools
“We know from research what any parent understands from common sense – that junk food obtained from vending machines, snack bars, school stores, or a la carte lines is far less nutritious and nutritionally balanced than meals meeting USDA standards. Unlike USDA-sponsored meals, none of all those other foods and beverages sold in schools needs to meet nutrition standards – except for very minor time and place restrictions. Clearly, these sales undermine the $11.5 billion investment that taxpayers will make this year in nutritious school lunches and breakfasts, but even worse, they are damaging the health and lives of our nation’s children.
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Experience shows that school nutrition standards are feasible and practicable. Already, to suit the marketplace, food and beverage suppliers are offering new products that are nutritious, healthful, and appealing to kids. Schools have learned they need not lose revenue when they set standards and offer healthier, more nutritious food and beverages – and many found they increased revenue. ”
Read Sen. Harkin’s full statement here.
