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Washington, DC ¨C Today, Congressman Dale E. Kildee announced that legislation which passed the U.S. House of Representatives would extend a successful fruit and vegetable distribution program in Michigan schools which he established in 2002 and expand summer feeding programs for Michigan¡¯s needy children. This legislation, S. 2507, the Child Nutrition and WIC reauthorization Act, makes much needed improvements to Federal child nutrition programs.
¡°The resources contained in this legislation will provide students in Michigan with healthy fruits and vegetables, a proven means of reducing childhood obesity and creating positive lifelong eating habits,¡± said Kildee. ¡°The bill¡¯s additional resources to increase participation in the summer months will also ensure that needy children don¡¯t lose access to meals during the summer months while school is not in session. This is a victory for Michigan¡¯s children and their families.¡±
The Child Nutrition and WIC reauthorization Act was passed unanimously by the House today and is being sent to President Bush for his signature. S. 2507 is expected to be signed into law in the coming weeks. Among these changes are two provisions which specifically benefit Michigan:
¡ñ Extension of the Fruit and Vegetable Pilot Program ¨C In the fall of 2002, Congressman Kildee secured funding for a Fruit and Vegetable Pilot program for Michigan. Twenty five schools received fruits and vegetables to provide to their students. This program received an overwhelmingly positive response from parents, students and school personnel. Unfortunately, this pilot program only effectively operated for one school year. S. 2507 would extend funding for this program, once again bringing fruits and vegetables back to Michigan¡¯s schools.
¡ñ Summer Expansion Grants ¨C S. 2507 would add Michigan as one of several States which will receive additional resources to increase participation in the Summer Food program. The Summer Food program provides meals to eligible children during the summer months. With schools being closed during summer, needy children who rely on school lunches often go without adequate meals during the summer months. |
