WASHINGTON (AP) — Greasy pizzas and high-calorie desserts may be less frequent lunchtime treats for schoolchildren under a wide-ranging nutrition bill approved by a Senate panel.
The legislation approved Wednesday by the Senate Agriculture Committee would create uniform standards for all foods in schools, including vending machine items, to give students healthier meal options. The legislation allocates an additional $4.5 billion over 10 years for nutrition programs.
It would also expand the number of low-income children eligible for free or reduced cost meals — a step Democrats say would help President Barack Obama's goal of ending childhood hunger by 2015.
The bill has support from many of the nation's largest food and beverage companies, including Mars Inc. and PepsiCo.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Greasy pizzas and high-calorie desserts may be less frequent lunchtime treats for schoolchildren under a popular bill that the Senate Agriculture Committee is expected to approve Wednesday.
The wide-ranging nutrition legislation has support from health advocates and many food companies.
It would allow the Agriculture Department to create uniform standards for all foods in schools, including vending machine items. That could mean less junk food to tempt the kids.
The legislation also would expand the number of low-income children eligible for free or reduced-cost meals.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.
