VOICES FOR AMERICA’S CHILDREN PRAISES NUTRITION LEGISLATION

Child group encouraged by progress on child nutrition program renewal

WASHINGTON – Legislation passed by the House Education and Labor Committee today could ensure that more children get adequate nutrition in a time of need, according to Voices for America’s Children, the nation’s largest network of multi-issue child advocacy groups.

The legislation, the Improving Nutrition for America’s Children Act (H.R. 5504), would increase funding for school nutrition programs, as well as improve the health quality of meals.  It would also reform nutrition programs to increase access to benefits and cut red tape.

“Nearly one in four American children live at risk of hunger,” said Bill Bentley, president and CEO of Voices for America’s Children.  “We support a renewal of child nutrition programs, and urge Congress to reauthorization them for the full $10 billion in funding over 10 years that President Obama requests.”

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Voices for America’s Children is the nation’s largest network of multi-issue child advocacy groups. With more than 60 members nationwide, Voices mobilizes and advocates for public policies to improve the lives of all children throughout the United States. Visit us at www.voices.org.

Voices is a founding member of the Children’s Leadership Council, a coalition of 37 leading national policy and advocacy organizations. www.childrensleadershipcouncil.com.