Release No. 0261.04

Contact: Office of Communications 
202-720-4623 

Statement by Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman Regarding The Reauthorization Of The Child Nutrition Programs

June 24, 2004

"I am very pleased that Congress has passed a bill to reauthorize USDA’s child nutrition programs, which includes the National School Lunch and National School Breakfast Programs. These programs are vital to help feed children from low-income families. I commend Chairman Cochran and Chairman Boehner for their leadership on this bill." 

"Among its many important provisions, the bill extends and expands the fruit and vegetable pilot projects, which would make free fresh fruits and vegetables available to many school children. This, along with requirements that school districts establish wellness policies, will help address the growing overweight and obesity problem in children." 

"This bill makes important strides in strengthening program management through provisions that increase the development and distribution of training and technical assistance materials. 

"The bill also reauthorizes the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), and the Summer Food Service Programs, two important programs that provide vital nutrition assistance to needy women, infants and children which is an investment in our nation’s future."

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