Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack went to the national conference of the American Academy of Pediatrics to enlist its members as defenders of federal child nutrition programs against “a vocal minority” that would weaken them. The nutrition programs, headlined by school lunch and school breakfast, are due for renewal this year but lawmakers have yet to propose legislation. Critics say the school food programs are overly directive and have driven up costs. They have suggested a standstill on rules that require more whole-grain-rich products and a reduction in salt in food.
“I’m here today to ask for your help,” Vilsack said during a speech to the conference, meeting in Washington. “You have access to members of Congress. You need to encourage them to stay the course” with reforms started in 2010 to introduce more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products into school menus. “Allow us to continue this good work.” AAP members were scheduled to visit lawmakers today, an outing that is a fixture of many professional and trade-group meetings in the capital.
During his speech, Vilsack announced that 97 percent of schools are meeting the updated nutrition standards and there is a 20-percent increase, to 17,000, in the number of schools in low-income neighborhoods that provide free meals to all students.