President Obama Signs the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010

We are very pleased to announce that the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (the Act), PL 111-296, was signed into law by the President on Dec. 13, 2010. The Act makes many important improvements to the Child Nutrition Programs that serve millions of children across our country each day.

The Act provides for improved access to nutrition assistance through program expansion, outreach, and provisions that make it easier for children to get nutritious meals when they are away from home. The Act will not only improve the nutrition quality of school meals, but will improve the entire nutrition environment in schools. The Act will enhance our understanding of the causes and consequences of hunger and food insecurity among children and will help inform future policy decisions on effective means of program delivery. The Act also will help advance the goal of solving the problem of childhood obesity within a generation, which is at the heart of the First Lady’s Let’s Move! initiative.

The Act includes many provisions that were top priorities for the child nutrition community as we entered this reauthorization cycle. Your hard work and dedication will help us ensure children have access to the healthy food they need to learn and grow. I want to personally thank each of you for your commitment to serving our Nation’s children. More detailed information on the implementation of the Act will be provided to state agencies in the near future.

CYNTHIA LONG
Director
Child Nutrition Division