'Historic' child-nutrition bill has provisions for helping school kitchens use local farm products

A bill to renew and revamp federal child-nutrition programs is on its way to President Obama, with provisions that would "help schools and other entities implement farm-to-school programs, improving access to local foods," reports Dani Friedland of MeatingPlace. "The act also establishes national nutrition standards for all foods available on school campuses during the school day with the goal of decreasing childhood obesity and promoting student health." (Read more)

The bill is being hailed as historic. Margo Wootan, director of nutrition policy at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, told Amanda Paulson of the Christian Science Monitor, "This is not a baby step. This is a huge step forward in improving nutrition for children, especially low-income children." (Read more)

The bill would "authorize the establishment of nutrition standards for all food and beverages sold on school grounds throughout the school day," Nick Anderson of The Washington Post reports. "This provision, advocates say, would force out sugary beverages and snacks and clear the way for more healthful food and drinks to be offered through a la carte sales at snack bars and vending machines." School administrators' groups opposed the bill, calling it an unfunded mandate. For the text of the bill, click here.