American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown Applauds U.S. Senate Passage of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act

 The U.S. Senate has brought us closer to raising the nutritional quality of school meals and giving kids greater access to physical activity with passage of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. The measure will ensure that high-calorie drinks and junk foods sold in schools are out of children’s reach and increase opportunities for physical activity through enhanced school wellness policies. The bill would require local educational agencies to set goals for nutrition education, physical activity, and other school-based activities that promote student wellness. We applaud Senators Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) and Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) for their leadership, and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and other Congressional leaders for advancing the measure before the summer congressional recess. Now it’s up to the U.S. House of Representatives to pass similar legislation and help our nation’s children learn the A, B, C’s of healthy behaviors to reduce their risk for heart disease and stroke. The association calls for swift approval in the House when Congress reconvenes in the fall to help today’s youth make strides towards better health. Millions of children are counting on Congress to pass meaningful childhood nutrition legislation this year. We should not disappoint them now when childhood obesity and related illnesses remain a growing concern for families nationwide.

For more information visit www.heart.org/obesitypolicy

Contact: Kanika M. Lewis