[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 28 (Tuesday, March 2, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H995-H997]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SUPPORTING NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM
Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to
the resolution (H. Res. 362) expressing the support of the House of
Representatives for the goals and ideals of the National School Lunch
Program, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 362
Whereas the National School Lunch Program is declared to be
the policy of the United States Congress, as a measure of
national security, to safeguard the health and well-being of
the Nation's children and to encourage the domestic
consumption of nutritious agricultural commodities and other
food, by assisting the States, through grants-in-aid and
other means, in providing an adequate supply of food and
other facilities for the establishment, maintenance,
operation, and expansion of nonprofit school lunch programs;
Whereas Federal regulations further state that
participating schools shall ensure that children gain a full
understanding of the relationship between proper eating and
good health;
Whereas local educational agencies are responsible for
collaborating with the school community to implement
comprehensive nutrition and wellness policies in schools that
participate in the National School Lunch Program;
Whereas all of the Nation's more than 49,000,000 pupils
deserve access to high-quality, safe, nutritious meals
available in the school setting, recognizing the link between
adequate nourishment and educational performance;
Whereas children that experience hunger have been shown to
be more likely to have
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lower math scores, decreased attentiveness, increased
likelihood of repeating a grade, increased absences and
tardiness, and more referrals to special education services;
Whereas in 2009, the National School Lunch Program in the
United States provided over 31,000,000 meals to school
children daily, and must comply with rigorous State and
Federal requirements, provide adequate food preparation and
dining facilities, and cover costs to provide reimbursable
meals including food, energy, transportation, labor, and
other costs;
Whereas the National School Lunch Program must provide
nutritious meals that are consistent with the goals of the
most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans;
Whereas the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies
of Sciences recommends increased amounts of fruits,
vegetables, and whole grains in the National School Lunch
Program, and that measures to improve the quality of meals
may increase program costs and the need for administrative
support;
Whereas school food service must operate on a nonprofit
basis, and it is expected that the Federal subsidy for a free
meal will, on average, cover the costs of producing a
reimbursable meal;
Whereas the U.S. Department of Agriculture identified that
the full cost to produce a reimbursable lunch generally
exceeds the Federal reimbursement for a free lunch; and
Whereas revenue deficits in school meal programs must be
offset by generating additional revenue from other sources
that may otherwise support classroom instruction: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) supports the goals and ideals of the National School
Lunch Program; and
(2) recognizes that America's pupils deserve access to
high-quality, safe, nutritious meals available in the school
setting.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Connecticut (Mr. Courtney) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr.
Thompson) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Connecticut.
General Leave
Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during
which Members may revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous
material on House Resolution 362 into the Record.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Connecticut?
There was no objection.
Mr. COURTNEY. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 362, which
expresses the House of Representatives' support of the goals and ideals
of the National School Lunch Program.
When it comes to education in our country, we traditionally focus on
reading, writing, and extracurricular activities. We want to ensure
that our students have access to well-trained teachers and to the tools
they need to achieve academic success. However, we often forget that an
essential tool to any child's academic success can also be found
outside the classroom--in the school cafeteria.
Children who are hungry are at a disadvantage to their peers. Studies
have shown that children who experience hunger throughout the day have
higher likelihoods of receiving lower math scores, of having decreased
attentiveness, increased absences and tardiness, and a higher chance of
having to repeat a grade. Children who are not well nourished are also
more likely to need referrals to special education services.
We know that nearly one-third of our Nation's children today are
overweight and obese. Obesity rates have soared over the past four
decades among children of all age groups, increasing nearly five-fold
among those who are ages 6 through 11. Teaching children to have a
healthy relationship with food and nutrition has never been more
important.
First Lady Michelle Obama has initiated an exciting new program to
help solve this challenge. The ``Let's Move!'' campaign directs
attention to four areas: helping parents make healthy family choices;
serving healthier food in schools; improving access to healthy,
affordable food in communities; and increasing physical activity.
The National School Lunch Program can have a central role in the
First Lady's efforts to help children develop healthy behaviors and to
achieve their highest potential. For over 60 years, the National School
Lunch Program has served as a safeguard for the health and nutritional
well-being of our Nation's children. Every day, over 31 million meals
are served to schoolchildren across the country.
Madam Speaker, I would also like to take note of the changes we have
seen in school food menus over the years. In cafeterias in all of our
communities, you might find menus which offer salad bars with fresh
fruit, whole wheat pizza, or freshly made chicken wraps. The days of
``mystery meat'' are past. Today, students want to eat in the school
cafeteria because the food tastes good and there are many food options.
However, we know from the most recent report from the Institute of
Medicine that healthy foods cost more. The U.S. Department of
Agriculture has reported that the full cost to produce a reimbursable
lunch generally exceeds that of the Federal reimbursement for free
lunches. To help address this concern, the President has requested an
additional $1 billion for child nutrition programs to help improve
nutrition quality and to make these programs accessible to more
children. These funds will go a long way in school cafeterias across
the country.
I look forward to working with the President and with my colleagues,
particularly with those on the House Education and Labor Committee, on
this initiative.
Lastly, Madam Speaker, this week, each of us may be receiving visits
from our local school food service directors. I want to acknowledge the
fine work of the school food service workers who help to educate our
children on nutrition and who work hard every day to serve them safe
and healthy meals. They are the front line in these efforts, and they
deserve our thanks.
Madam Speaker, I would like to thank Representative Watson of
California for introducing this important resolution, which highlights
the need for this program, and I urge my colleagues to support it.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 362,
expressing the support of the House of Representatives for the goals
and ideals of the National School Lunch Program.
The National School Lunch Program was first established by the
National School Lunch Act in 1946. The program enables students to
purchase school lunches at a free or reduced price, focusing on
students whose families cannot afford the full price of school meals.
The program also promotes a basic understanding of nutrition and
healthful eating.
In fiscal year 2009, over 31.2 million children participated in the
School Lunch Program every day; 19.4 million of those children received
their meals for free or at a reduced rate. Participation has steadily
grown over the years since the program was first established over 60
years ago. The School Lunch Program is administered in approximately
101,000 schools and institutions by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service. At the State level, it is
administered by State education agencies through agreements with local
school food authorities.
Public or nonprofit private schools, serving grades K through 12, and
public or nonprofit private residential child care institutions may
participate in the School Lunch Program. School districts and
independent schools that participate in the Lunch Program receive cash
subsidies from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for each meal or
snack they serve and USDA foods or commodities. In return, they must
serve lunches and snacks that meet Federal requirements, and they must
offer free or reduced-price lunches to eligible children.
The National School Lunch Program helps to provide meals during the
school day to students who may not otherwise be able to afford them. I
stand in support of this resolution expressing support for the goals
and the ideals of the National School Lunch Program and for the
children that it serves. I ask for my colleagues' support.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, in closing, again, I urge strong support
for the resolution. It is a timely measure because, as the gentleman
from Pennsylvania knows, today the Education and Labor Committee is
holding
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a hearing on reauthorizing the Child Nutrition Act. The School Lunch
Program is really at the center of that effort. Again, I urge support
of the resolution.
Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, the National School Lunch Program, as
established by the National School Lunch Act, has been serving our
nation's children for more than 60 years. This program safeguards the
health and well-being of children by providing balanced meals for free
or at low cost. Just last year, the Program provided more than 31
million nutritious meals to children across the nation. My bill, House
Resolution 362 recognizes the outstanding service of the National
School Lunch Program.
Hunger is on the rise in the United States. A 2007 USDA report found
that 12.4 million children live in households that are considered to be
food insecure. In my state, California, the unemployment rate exceeds
12% and is on the rise. More families will be struggling to put
nutritious meals on the table. The National School Lunch Program
performs an exemplary service in providing for the children of these
families. With H. Res. 362, Congress can send a strong message to
schools showing our continued support and give local programs the
initiative to improve and advance.
By providing school lunches, Congress plays a vital role in ensuring
that our nation's children are healthy, which is more important now
than ever. Both obesity and malnutrition are on the rise, increasing
the rates of Type 2 diabetes and heart problems among children. The
current generation of children and their parents are accustomed to
processed, fast food; a fast stop for a hamburger and fries or a quick
fix meal from a box. Though these meals may be cheap and easy, they
often lack the proper nutrition a developing child requires.
Over the past few years, schools have made a conscious effort to
ensure that children receive balanced and nutritious meals. For many
children, their school lunch may be the most nutritious meal they will
eat each day. Simply by including fresh fruits and vegetables in their
diets daily encourages children to make healthy choices. The Program is
a tool that can help educate children about eating well even when they
are at home.
Providing meals in school also increases a child's ability to learn
effectively. Children who experience hunger in school have been shown
to have lower math scores, decreased attentiveness, increased
likelihood of repeating a grade, increased absences and tardiness, and
more referrals to special education services. Simply by providing
nutritious meals, Congress can improve student performance in school.
Supporting the National School Lunch Program brings to life its
mission ``to safeguard the health and well being of our nation's
children.'' This is one crucial way in which we can protect the health
of children nationwide. I hope you will all join me in supporting the
National School Lunch Program, H. Res. 362.
Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 362,
a resolution expressing the support of the House of Representatives for
the goals and ideals of the National School Lunch Program. The National
School Lunch Program is a federally assisted meal program operating in
public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care
institutions. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free
lunches to children each school day. I support this resolution because
it recognizes the fundamental role the National School Lunch Program
plays in making sure that every child, regardless of socioeconomic
status, has the energy and nutrients he or she needs to learn and grow
as scholars.
The National School Lunch Program has been providing for children in
our public schools for over sixty years. It was established under the
National School Lunch Act signed by President Harry Truman in 1946. In
2008, the National School Lunch Program provided meals for more than 30
million American children. Parents who work two and three jobs just to
put a roof over their children's heads do not have to worry that their
children will not have lunch when they get to school every day. In
1998, Congress expanded this program to include reimbursement for
snacks that children receive at afterschool programs. Children receive
nutritious snacks so they have the energy and ability to focus during
valuable tutoring sessions and enriching extra-curricular lessons.
Mr. Speaker, during these difficult economic times, the National
School Lunch Program is even more important than usual. In September
2009, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities released an analysis
of how the recession had affected working families thus far. According
to that report, the median household income declined 3.6 percent in
2008 after adjusting for inflation, the largest single-year decline on
record. The poverty rate rose to 13.2 percent, its highest level since
1997. The number of people in poverty hit 39.8 million, the highest
level since 1960. While Congress works to turn this recession around by
passing landmark legislation like the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act and the Jobs for Main Street Act, programs such as the
National School Lunch Program give working parents the peace of mind
that comes with knowing that their children are taken care of. If a
parent loses his job and his family falls into poverty, he does not
have to worry that his children will have nutritious lunches and snacks
provided every day at school. That is one less thing for hard-working
families to worry about in these tough times.
Mr. Speaker, I applaud the National School Lunch Program for its
dedication feeding our most valuable population in this country--our
children. Without nutritious food, low-income children would have
extreme difficulties focusing in school and therefore would be at a
great disadvantage academically. The National School Lunch Program does
its part to ensure that all children have the energy they need to learn
and succeed every day in school. I ask my fellow colleagues to join me
in supporting H. Res. 362.
Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud the
actions of the House of Representatives in addressing the need for
America's students to receive high-quality, safe, nutritious meals in
school. I strongly support H. Res. 362 and urge my colleagues to
support this important piece of legislation.
Many of our children depend on the National School Lunch Program for
nutritious meals. In Fiscal Year 2007, more than 30.5 million children
each day got their lunch through the National School Lunch Program. In
my home state of Georgia, about 74 percent of public school students
eat school lunch. In some counties, in the Fourth District of Georgia,
up to 90 percent of students participate in the school lunch program.
For many of the children in my District, school lunch fuels their day.
I applaud Representative Watson for introducing this resolution. It
recognizes the link between proper eating, goad health, and educational
performance. We should do all we can to ensure that our children
continue to have nutritious meal options available through the National
School Lunch Program.
I join the chairman in urging my colleagues to support this important
piece of legislation.
Mr. COURTNEY. I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Wu). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Courtney) that the House
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 362, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a
quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not
present.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.
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