Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act -- passed December 2010 -- Michelle Obama response

posted at Obama Food-o-rama

In a statement released by the White House, First Lady Michelle Obama said she is "thrilled" that the US House of Representatives today passed the historic $4.5 billion Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act 2010.

After a few hours of debate, the vote for the legislative centerpiece of Mrs. Obama's Let's Move! campaign was 264 to 157, reauthorizing the Child Nutrition Act through 2015. The bill is a priority for President Obama as well as Mrs. Obama, and Democrats had to overcome a last minute GOP stumbling block in order to get the legislation to the President's desk to be signed into law. The measure significantly improves the quality of foods served in public schools, as well as expands the National School Lunch program. It also allows for the first increase in the federal reimbursement rate for school lunches since 1973.
"I am so thrilled that the House of Representatives has passed “The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act” – a groundbreaking piece of bipartisan legislation that will significantly improve the quality of meals that children receive at school and will play an integral role in our efforts to combat childhood obesity," Mrs. Obama said.
Mrs. Obama and her White House team, led by Senior Policy Adviser for Healthy Food Initiatives Sam Kass, have worked exhaustively for the legislation, with endless meetings with lawmakers, as well as grass roots, food industry, and non-profit organizations.
"Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of speaking with parents, educators, governors and mayors, medical professionals, community and business leaders, and students all across the country – all of whom are determined to ensure that our children have access to the nutritious food they need to learn and grow and fulfill their potential," Mrs. Obama said today.
"I’m proud of what we’re doing to support these efforts through our Let’s Move! initiative, and I am confident that, together, we can turn the tide on childhood obesity and give all our children the happy, healthy lives they deserve."
Mrs. Obama commended House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-SC), House Education & Labor Committee Chairman George Miller (D-CA), and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) "for their leadership in ensuring passage" in the House, and she also extended thanks "to all the Senators and House Members who worked so hard in recent months to make this critically important legislation a reality."
The legislation will dramatically impact the more than 31 million children nationwide who participate in federal nutrition programs, and was unanimously approved by the Senate in August. It is fully paid for.