President Obama has pledged to end child hunger, and First Lady Michelle Obama is working to promote children's nutrition awareness, and now, congratulations are due Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, who is working to make these efforts a concrete reality. Secretary Vilsack has reversed the decision to end the Universal Feeding Program in Philadelphia, and it will be extended through the next school year. The program allows more than 120,000 school children to receive daily breakfasts and lunches at schools without enrolling in the nutrition program, if a certain percentage of the population falls below the poverty line. It's regarded as a pathbreaking model, which ensures that no child goes hungry, as well as eliminates bureaucratic red tape, costs of filling out forms, and bureaucratic management. (In pic: The First Lady and Sec. Vilsack at the White house, on their way to work in the WH Kitchen Garden)The Pennsylvania team of Democratic Sens. Bob Casey and Arlen Specter as well as Reps. Chaka Fattah and Joe Sestak worked tirelessly to campaign for the program to continue, and are considering introducing various Bills that will allow the program to be adopted as a national standard (Los Angeles and New York have expressed interest in the program). Re-authorization of the Child Nutrition Act occurs next Fall.
During the current economic downturn, with unemployment at a historic high, feeding children through schools programs is more important than ever. Last Wednesday, Secretary Vilsack helped plant an edible garden at SEEDS School in Washington, another crucial way to help ensure that children eat well, and his decision to continue Universal Feeding came the next day. Secretary Vilsack should be commended for being a children's nutrition champion.
*H/T: Naomi Starkman. Photo from AP.
