By Jillian Farrel -- February 8, 2010
The Obama Administration will ask Congress to improve childhood nutrition by eliminating sugary, empty-calorie snacks from vending machines in addition to adding more school breakfasts and lunches.
The current Child Nutrition WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Reauthorization Act of 2004 expired on September 30, 2009.
Child Nutrition and obesity have been a big issue for the President, but also for his Wife, Michelle Obama.
The leader behind this plan is Tom Vilsack, Agricultural Secretary, who plans to seek changes when Congress overhauls the Childhood Nutrition Act. The reauthorization of the CNA is scheduled to take place this year.
The CNA is open every five years for lawmakers to tweak the program in order to ensure the maximum amount of quality and adequate nutrition for children.
The secretary's comments came from a speech he was going to deliver; however, his appearance was canceled because of snow. The associated press captured his prepared speech, which outlines key changes to the nutrition plan. A Vilsack spokesman said the speech will be rescheduled.
The changes included removing cookies, cakes, and candy from vending machines and school lines. In addition, he plans to incorporate more whole grains, fruit, and vegetables into the diet of children.
If the administration boosts the amount of meals provided to children, there will be a greater chance of properly feeding them. In addition, the administration would push for a collaboration between the schools and farmers' markets and improve nutrition education between children and their parents.
As the Obama administration reviews the nutrition plans for children, they will also be reviewing other programs, such as the Special Milk Program, WIC, and the Summer Food Service Program.
