Being parents concerned about your kids’ nutrition and health? Then you are in luck!!! In this blog, we will discuss the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. That was signed into law by President Obama on December 13th, 2010. Read on to know in detail.
It’s no secret that the childhood obesity rate in the United States is on the rise. Nearly one-third of children and adolescents are overweight or obese, putting them at risk for a number of health problems down the road. Some experts say that we need to do something about this epidemic, and fast. Introducing the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. This legislation would improve nutrition in schools across the country, making it easier for kids to make healthy choices and stay healthy.
What is the Hunger-Free Kids Act?
The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 is a law that President Obama signed on December 13th, 2010. The act amends the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 to make some changes to the National School Lunch Program and other child nutrition programs. The act aims to reduce childhood obesity by ensuring that kids have access to healthy food at school. The HHFKA made changes to several child nutrition programs, including the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), the School Breakfast Program (SBP), and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The HHFKA also established new nutrition standards for all foods served in schools, including those sold in vending machines, a la carte lines, and school stores.
Members of the Senate were in unanimous agreement to pass the bill in August, but it stalled just before the midterm elections as some members became concerned that advocating for more gardens and feeding children would not be well-received during this time of economic hardship. Additionally, those against hunger voiced their objection to the $4.5 billion being taken from the Federal Food Stamp Program. The bill was finally passed on December 10th.
There are a lot of children who rely on their lunch as their only meal of the day, which few people are aware of. The absence of adequate nutrition from a healthy lunch will negatively influence brain development, resulting in a slower learning rate. Schools in high-poverty areas will be able to provide free meals to their students if the bill passes, with the goal of expanding access to more kids while reducing paperwork processing at schools. In certain situations, dinner may also be provided.
What’s the aim of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act?
The purpose of this act is to potentially lower childhood obesity rates in the USA, which are steadily increasing. By monitoring and decreasing the number of calories served in school lunches, it is hoped that fewer children will be obese. According to recent statistics, 1 in every 3 children aged 6-11 years old is obese. This bill will also regulate what food can be sold from school vending machines; no candy bars or sugary sodas are allowed. In order to decrease the likelihood of children eating unhealthy food, some bake sales and fundraisers will be limited. Although pizza and burgers will still be available in the cafeteria, new healthier options will also be offered.
The future of our country rests on the health and well-being of our young people. As adults and responsible citizens, it is up to us to ensure that children have access to nutritious food choices. The Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act will aid in ensuring that all youngsters have access to on-the-go healthy meals accessible.
Changes made by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act:-
The primary goal of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act is to improve child nutrition and reduce childhood obesity in America. The act does this by making changes to the National School Lunch and Breakfast programs.
Some of the major changes include:
- Eliminating “trans fat” from all foods served in schools
- Increasing the availability of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or non-fat milk in school meals
- Setting new nutrition standards for all foods sold in schools (i.e., in vending machines and à la carte lines)
- Providing free breakfast and lunch to all students in high-poverty schools
- Improving access to afterschool meals for students in need
- Supporting farms and farmers that sell fresh, healthy food to schools
- Investing in new technologies and equipment to help schools prepare and serve healthier meals
- Training child nutrition professionals on the new standards and requirements
The changes made by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act are having a positive impact on kids’ health. For example, since the act was passed, the percentage of kids ages 2-19 who are obese has declined from 17.0% in 2010 to 14.5% in 2016. In addition, studies have shown that kids who eat school breakfast are more likely to perform better in school and are less likely to miss class or be tardy.
The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act is making a difference in the lives of kids across the country, and we are committed to continuing our work to ensure all children have access to healthy, nutritious food.
Final Word:
The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act is a step in the right direction when it comes to improving child nutrition and reducing childhood obesity. By providing healthier food options in schools and increasing access to free meals for high-poverty schools, we can make a difference in kids’ lives across the country.
We must continue to support this act and work to ensure all children have access to healthy, nutritious food. What do you think of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act? Let us know in the comments below! Thanks for reading!
