[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 45 (Thursday, March 9, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H1218]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     NATIONAL SCHOOL BREAKFAST WEEK

  (Mr. McGOVERN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, if we want America's kids to remain 
competitive in the 21st century, we can't just teach reading and math. 
We need to ensure they have healthy, nutritious food in school. Studies 
show keeping kids fed leads to better attendance, higher test scores, 
and lifelong benefits.
  Last summer, Congress temporarily increased the Federal reimbursement 
level schools receive for breakfast and lunch, but in the richest 
country in the history of the world, we can do better. This National 
School Breakfast Week I have introduced the Healthy Meals Help Kids 
Learn Act to permanently increase the reimbursement level for our 
children.
  The next generation of Americans--our future doctors, engineers, 
carpenters, professors, mechanics, and more--need nutritious food to 
learn and to thrive. If we pass my bill, schools can make more made-
from-scratch meals with more locally sourced, healthier ingredients.
  It is a win-win-win for our kids, our farmers, and our future. I urge 
strong bipartisan support for my bill.

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