Vilsack Calls On Congress to Give USDA Greater Authority Over Food Sold in Schools

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is calling on Congress to grant USDA new authority to set nutritional standards for foods sold in the nation's schools.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is calling on Congress to grant USDA new authority to set nutritional standards for foods sold in the nation's schools. He says the new authority should cover not only the subsidized food sold under the school breakfast and lunch programs, but also unsubsidized foods sold in schools, such as snacks and soft drinks.

"Foods served in vending machines and the a la carte line should never undermine our efforts to enhance the health of the school environment," said Vilsack. "That's why we must have the capacity to set standards for all foods served and sold in schools."

"That doesn't mean the end of vending machines in schools," said Vilsack. "It just means filling them with nutritious offerings to make the healthy choice the easy choice for our nation's children."

The Child Nutrition Act is up for reauthorization this year, and the White House wants Congress to give USDA new authority to set nutritional standards for foods that are available in schools but are not part of federally subsidized lunch and breakfast programs.

The administration's plans for school feeding programs came under close scrutiny during a Feb. 23 hearing of the House Appropriations Subcommittee. Committee Chairman Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) pointed out to Secretary Vilsack that the Obama administration's ambitious child nutrition policy goals do not seem to be matched by its budget proposal. Specifically, she said, it would probably take more than the $1 billion increase recommended by the White House to fund the administration's agenda.

DeLauro said she supports the administration's initiatives but wants USDA to put price tags on each of the goals and offer suggestions about where to find budgetary savings to pay for the additional spending.

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