Moms cheer signing of Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act

On December 13, the new Child Nutrition Reauthorization (CNR) that is now called the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010,passed through Congress and was signed into law by President Obama.  This landmark achievement brought cheers from moms across the nation.

"We can all agree that in the wealthiest nation on earth all children should have the basic nutrition they need to learn and grow and to pursue their dreams. Because in the end, nothing is more important than the health and well-being of our children. Nothing," said First Lady Michelle Obama.

“The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act has the potential to change a child’s whole day, every day, for the better.  This historic law will help improve the nutritional quality of school lunches, get junk food out of school vending machines and support strong nutrition and physical activity policies and practices in schools and child care settings,” said Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner is a co-founder and the Executive Director of MomsRising.org.

According to reports, the bill reauthorizes the federal nutrition program, a $4.5 billion measure that expands free school meals for the needy. For the first time, it sets nutritional standards for all food, whether in cafeterias or in school vending machines, and is designed to help fight obesity among children, which has led to an increase in disease, such as diabetes.                    

For moms who want to learn more, the Food Resource and Action Center (FRAC) is holding a free webinar on Friday, December 17 from 1–2 p.m. EST about this new child nutrition law. This is the first Webinar in this series, “What You Need to Know NOW.” Speakers include Jim Weill, President, FRAC; Geri Henchy, Director of Nutrition Policy and Early Childhood Programs; and Crystal FitzSimons, Director of School and Out-of-School Time Programs. Topics for this webinar will provide: 

• An overview of The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (Child Nutrition Reauthorization).
• Outline improvements to the child nutrition programs.
• Highlight parts that are immediately in effect or need immediate work by stakeholders.

You can register online for this webinar and to learn more on future calls titled “ Putting the Act into Action” series that will delve into the details of the new provisions by program, including the expansion of the Afterschool Meal Program, new provisions for child care food program access and nutrition improvements, summer food provisions and the need to ratchet up for summer 2011, changes to school meal eligibility and certification processes, and the school nutrition environment.

 Liza Weidle is the NC Mom Congress delegate and author of "Truth about Parenting: Navigating the Elementary Years."