So, step in S.771, the Child Nutrition Promotion and School Lunch Protection Act, a bi-partisan bill which would change the definition of "food of minimal nutritional value", and update nutritional standards in U.S. Schools. The last time it was updated was in 1979! Almost 30 years ago, when we were far less aware of the importance of good nutrition on health.
The Natural Products Association has sent out the following information regarding the bill:
Child Nutrition Act Added to 2007 Farm Bill
The Natural Products Association has been a strong supporter of S. 771, the Child Nutrition Promotion and School Lunch Protection Act. Introduced by Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), this act would update
out-of-date nutritional standards in U.S. schools, and re-define "food of minimal nutritional value." The definition was last updated in 1979. Since then, Americans' food options and knowledge about nutrition has changed dramatically. It's time that change was reflected in the definition.
Recently, Senator Harkin and Senator Murkowski (R-Alaska) worked together to add an amendment similar in language to S.771 to the 2007 Farm Bill under a series of provisions aimed at improving nutrition in the United States. Unfortunately, the Farm Bill is currently stalled in the Senate under the threat of filibuster. While Senators Harkin and Murkowski are doing everything they can to get this legislation off the ground, they need the support of their fellow senators to get this important amendment back on track.
If a senator has already sponsored S. 771, that is an indication that they would be supportive of the amendment in the Farm Bill. If they are not sponsors, that is all the more reason to ask for their support for this important amendment.
The association is asking its members (and others) to help by taking Action! The link has much information on how to contact your senators and whether they have signed on or not.
Remember the youth of today will be the leaders of tomorrow.
Crossposted at Mind Bodyand Spirit.
8 comments:
youre so right Incog..its amazing the junk we were fed and they are still feeding little ones in vending machines and in school eh!..
i am glad you bring this up incog.. i, having a daughter in high school have first hand knowledge of this problem... yes parents want to see their children eat properly... but the kids don't... we were at a rival school for a basketball game the other evening... and word got out that this school has a soda fountain for their students to enjoy at lunch... of course she was envious they could not enjoy such a luxury at our place of higher learning.. we always want people to eat what is healthy... but like my daughter and her class mates most don't want to... the solution to the problem is getting all too like what is good for them... no law can do that though!!!
All for good nutrition....!!! I try to stay away from processed foods and have gone totally whole wheat with my children. They had a problem at first but now prefer it. It can be conflicting because my son and daughter do eat at school. I did make lunches but found due to peer pressure and what the others were eating they would bring food home and would hardly eat...it would be nice to have a better selection at school. That said..I think eating right does start at home though.....
The Bi-partison bill is a good start but there is much work to be done here. Within the home, at the local and federal level. Problem is much the same in Australia and authorities here only only now beginning to tackle it...
WOMAN: That's just so wrong. I don't have kids, but even I know that good nutrition is important for young and old minds alike.
PATJ: This goes back to your post and who is in charge. Parent or child. And indeed, it's up to parents to get the child to enjoy good foods. But they often eat 2 of their daily meals in schools and a child isn't going to starve themselves if they only have wholesome foods to eat. They've also done some studies where the children are actually enjoying the healthier foods. Doesn't take much to change one's tastes.
MONDAY: That's wonderful! And wholewheat does taste better. I think it's all about preparation. I guarantee that your kids would have no clue if you substituted veggie burger or turkey burger for hamburger. It's all about the spices. And that's the problem. you can feed them healthy foods but if the schools don't..
AI: It is a good start.. and it costs nothing really. It's just changing the definition ... what harm is there in that, and yet it's mostly the Repubs who are not supporting it. Shameful.
I'm all for this, Incognito. Good nutrition to build the Americans of tomorrow. Caring for your kids means caring for their health.
you'll eat what we have put out and like it!! huh incog...
AURORA: It just makes sense, in my mind. Kids or no.
PATJ: You bet! ;-) they're not going to starve, believe me. Eventually they'll eat what they're given.
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