Obama Signs Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act

WASHINGTONPresident Obama today signed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act 2010, a $4.5-billion measure that allocates more money to poor areas to subsidize free meals and requires schools to abide by health guidelines drafted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The legislation was championed by first lady Michelle Obama and her "Let's Move" campaign to combat child obesity in the United States.

The landmark legislation provides the largest increase in funding for the school lunch program in decades, makes it easier for qualified children to receive free school meals, extends after-school meals to more at-risk children, and provides additional technical assistance to local school foodservice providers. The legislation also allows for the elimination of soda and other junk foods from schools nationwide.

The legislation also establishes important reforms for the national food stamp nutrition education program (SNAP-Ed), expanding the program's focus to include obesity prevention and allowing use of community and public health approaches to improve healthy diets for low-income families.

The bill also allows USDA to develop improved nutritional standards for all foods sold in schools, and it strengthens school wellness policies. The bill raises nutritional standards for child care centers participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program and provides funding for training, technical assistance and tools to assist child care providers in complying with new standards and promoting wellness among young children.