HSC Press Releases

For Immediate Release
Contact: Tara Kennon, 312-419-1810
tara@healthyschoolscampaign.org

HSC Calls for Farm Bill Changes to Support School Health and Wellness
Reforms Would Promote Child Nutrition and Support Local Agriculture

Chicago, July 12, 2007 – As one of the largest and most far-reaching pieces of federal legislation in place today, the Farm Bill holds the potential to support vibrant local agricultural economies and provide children with the nutritious meals that help make them healthy and ready to learn.

Healthy Schools Campaign (HSC), an independent not-for-profit organization dedicated to healthy school environments, is calling for changes to the Farm Bill that would have an impact on what children eat at school, where they consume many of their daily calories. The need for this change is highlighted by the epidemic rates of obesity and diet-related illnesses children face.

"We understand that an agriculture policy that stresses healthy sustainably grown food is important for children's nutrition both in and out of school," said Rochelle Davis, HSC's founding executive director. "Nearly every aspect of children's experience with food is touched in some way by this bill. We have a responsibility to provide our children with the most nutritious meals possible and to provide ways for farmers to deliver fresh, healthy food to kids who need it."

Specifically, HSC is urging congressional leaders to authorize a Farm Bill that will:

Establish Appropriate Standards for Food Offered in Schools. The Farm Bill should authorize the USDA to develop standards for all food offered in schools, not only those foods available from school lunch in the cafeteria. Food sold in vending machines, school stores, and cafeteria a la carte lines are currently not subject to any minimum nutrition standards.

Promote Children’s Fruit and Vegetable Intake. Programs that have been successful in increasing children's fruit and vegetable consumption – thereby reducing their risk of disease and providing the nutrition they need to learn – need funding to reach students in need.

Support Healthy School Food Programs. The Farm Bill has the opportunity to support fresh, healthy food for children's lunch while also supporting healthy local agriculture systems. Initiatives to do this include farm to school grant programs and clarification of language that will allow school districts to specify local or regional foods in their bidding process.

"It's exciting to consider the tremendous potential for change in these sensible reforms," said Davis. "We need to make sure that they become a reality."

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The Healthy Schools Campaign, an independent not-for-profit organization, is the leading authority on healthy school environments and a voice for people who care about our environment, our children and education. Our mission is to advocate for policies and model programs that allow students and staff members to learn and work in a healthy school environment.