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November 17, 2009

Chambliss receives testimony on improving child nutrition programs

Submitted by the office of Sen. Chambliss

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), Ranking Republican Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today received testimony during a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing focused on combating hunger and improving child health through nutrition assistance programs. Witnesses testified on behalf of childhood wellness organizations, food retailers and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), including Secretary Tom Vilsack. The Senate Agriculture Committee is currently working to reauthorize child nutrition programs, which expire September 30, 2010.

“Due to the current economic downturn, we are seeing unprecedented levels of participation in federal nutrition programs,” said Sen. Chambliss in his opening statement. “Over 36 million people are currently participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) each month. In Georgia, we’ve seen participation increase to over 1.4 million individuals, which is almost 15 percent of the state’s population. The fact that SNAP can swiftly serve those in need highlights one of the program’s key features – it can easily expand and contract as economic conditions change.”

Sen. Chambliss noted that federal nutrition programs are not only important tools to combat hunger, but also effective in the promotion of healthy lifestyles and curbing obesity. Regarding the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recently released a report with specific recommendations to USDA on how to update the nutritional requirements of the meals, calling for more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. USDA is expected to issue a proposed rule on how best to implement the IOM’s recommendations.

“It’s important to recognize the progress many schools have made since the 2004 Child Nutrition Reauthorization to improve the quality of meals served through the National School Lunch Program,” said Sen. Chambliss. “Partnerships between schools, food companies and the public health community have demonstrated various approaches to offering healthy foods in schools as well as increasing physical activity opportunities. We need to acknowledge the investment of time and resources in making these changes, as well as recognize that a one-size-fits-all approach may not be in the best interest of our schools or children.”

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