WASHINGTON (AP) — Thousands more children would get into school-based meal programs and those lunches and dinners would become more nutritious under a bill President Barack Obama signed into law Monday, part of an administration-wide effort to combat childhood obesity.
"At a very basic level, this act
is about doing what's right for our children," Obama said before signing
the bill. The ceremony was moved from the White House, where most signings are
held, to an elementary school in the District of Columbia to underscore the
point.
Besides Obama, the bill also was a
priority for his wife, Michelle, who launched a national campaign this year
against childhood obesity.
"We can agree that in the
wealthiest nation on earth all children should have the basic nutrition they
need to learn and grow," Mrs. Obama said. "Nothing is more important
than the health and well-being of our children. Nothing."
The $4.5 billion measure would expand
free school meals for the needy and give the government power to decide what
kinds of foods may be sold in schools.
The legislation also increases the
federal reimbursement for free school lunches by 6 cents a meal at a time when
many school officials say they can't afford to provide the meals. The new money
also will allow 20 million additional after-school meals to be served annually
in all 50 states. Most states now only provide money for after-school snacks.
Obama used the occasion to laud lawmakers
of both parties for passing the bill, saying it shows they can unite on issues
that affect the future of the nation's children.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.
(AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
