HR 117 (LSB 5602HH (1) 83)

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 117

BY  MASCHER

A Resolution urging Congress to require nutritional quality and options for school meals.

   WHEREAS, the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 were enacted to safeguard the health and well-being of the nation’s children; and
   WHEREAS, a disproportionate rise in indicators of poor health among children is linked to diet; and
   WHEREAS, a significant percentage of low-income children are considered at risk for obesity and diet-related degenerative diseases; and
   WHEREAS, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Cancer Society, the American Dietetic Association, the American Diabetes Association, the American Heart Association, the Institute of Medicine, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the National Institutes of Health recommend high fiber foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, all of which contain fiber and essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, are low in fat and calories, and contain no cholesterol; NOW THEREFORE,

   BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, That the House of Representatives respectfully urges the Congress of the United States to require healthful options for students participating in meal service programs authorized under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966; and

   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives respectfully urges the Congress of the United States to require the USDA to make available a greater variety of fresh and frozen produce, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds throughout the commodities program that serves schools and children; and
   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the appropriate state agencies and the Chief of the Bureau of Nutrition, Health and Transportation Services are encouraged to develop nutritionally sound school meal menus; and
   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives transmit a copy of this resolution to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the members of Iowa’s congressional delegation, and the United States Secretary of Agriculture.