“Outrageous” to backtrack on healthy food, Vilsack says
Ahead of the Senate Appropriations Committee markup today, Ag Secretary Vilsack spoke strongly against expected proposals to change WIC and school lunch rules. “I, for one, find it outrageous to be taking a step back from the commitments we made in 2010,” Vilsack said, referring to the reauthorization of child nutrition programs. He said the reforms were based on science. School menus call for more grains, fruits and vegetables and less fat, salt and sugar.
Maine Senator Susan Collins said she wants to include white potatoes in the WIC program. They are excluded now on grounds WIC participants get enough starch. North Dakota Senator John Hoeven said he wants to change the school lunch program. Pending in the House Appropriations Committee is a USDA funding bill that would create a waiver for schools that have lost money for six months on food services.
For a summary of the Senate bill, click here. To read the House bill, click here.