Congresswoman Hirono Votes in Favor of Landmark Child Nutrition Legislation

Press Release

Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) today voted in favor of the landmark Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, S. 3307. The U.S. House passed S. 3307 by a vote of 264 yeas to 157 nays. It now goes to the White House for President Obama's signature.

"This legislation marks the largest federal effort in three decades to meet the dual challenges of feeding hungry children while also fighting the growing problem of childhood obesity in Hawaii and across the country," said Congresswoman Hirono.

The new law authorizes a higher reimbursement rate for schools that serve healthier meals. This is the first reimbursement rate increase in 30 years. The law will apply the latest dietary guidelines to all food served in schools, keeping junk food and soda out of vending machines and the cafeteria. More than 100,000 Hawaii students participate in the federal school lunch program.

According to the latest statistics, Hawaii faced a 15 percent increase in the number of child diabetes cases from 2005 to 2009. The numbers also show that 28.5 percent of Hawaii's youth between the ages of 10 and 17 are obese. In conjunction with these figures, 9.1 percent of Hawaii residents are "food insecure," which means they lack consistent access to enough quality food for a healthy and productive life.

Among its many components, the legislation includes $40 million in grants for Farm-to-School programs nationwide.

"I have visited several school gardens in Hawaii, seeing firsthand how Farm-to-School programs can teach children about healthy eating as part of the curriculum. These programs can also help Hawaii farmers get their food into local schools," said Congresswoman Hirono, who is a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor.

S. 3307 will also fund school wellness policies to help schools promote nutrition and physical education. To help new mothers and our youngest children, the bill will support a healthier food packet for more than 37,000 Hawaii participants in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program that will integrate support for breastfeeding and the latest research on neonatal nutrition.

Source