Federal Appropriations to Support Loma Linda in Efforts to Promote Wellbeing, Prevent Disease

Washington, DC – Today, a bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives approved the Fiscal Year 2010 Agriculture appropriations bill, legislation that includes $925,000 for the Loma Linda University Medical Center secured by Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto). The bill, which also expands critical nutrition benefits for women, children, and senior citizens, passed the House of Representatives with a 266 – 160 vote.   

“The funding request included in today’s legislation promotes important public health initiatives in the Inland Empire,” said Rep. Baca.  “I am glad the Appropriations Committee included my project requests in this bill language and hope the Senate will act quickly to pass its appropriations legislation so the President can sign this vital funding into law.”

The $925,000 secured by Rep. Baca was requested in conjunction with Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-Redlands).  The funding will be used to continue studies focused on nutrition, diet, and lifestyle, and their effect on longevity and healthy aging.  The initiative will be directed by the Loma Linda Lifestyle Medicine Institute and build on 50 years of ongoing research to support the nation’s priorities for wellbeing, prevention of disease, and healthy aging.    

In addition, the bill increases nutrition aid to families to protect low-income women, children, and senior citizens faced with rising food costs and shrinking wages.  The legislation includes:

• $7.5 billion to provide proper nutrition to mothers and their children, and add an additional 700,000 women, infants, and children to the WIC program.
• $180 million to provide nutritious foods to over 500,000 low-income women, infants, children, and elderly citizens through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program.
• $61 billion to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program [SNAP – formerly the Food Stamp program].

“The vital funding included in this bill will help put nutritious food on the table for more struggling families during these tough times,” concluded Rep. Baca.  “As Chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Nutrition, I am proud to support this responsible bill, which builds healthier communities for our Inland families and children, and makes a strong commitment to ending hunger in America.”