The sugary and salty treats that line vending machines can be tempting for adults and children alike. Now, the Obama administration wants to limit that temptation by updating the Childhood Nutrition Act in order to eliminate unhealthy treats in school vending machines. The administration is proposing a $10 billion dollar investment over 10 years to improve the quality of foods provided in public schools.
Childhood obesity and healthy eating have been issues at the forefront of the First Lady's campaign since Obama's inauguration. Changes to the act aim to continue promoting good nutrition for America's youth by forbidding high-sugar, high-fat processed treats from vending machines in public schools.
Passed by President Johnson, the Childhood Nutrition Act was first established in 1966 and led to the development of free meal programs. These programs continue to thrive today. Now, the Obama administration seeks to increase the number of students enrolled in such free lunch programs and to increase the number of schools offering free breakfast programs.
Lawmakers are expected to begin debating the proposed changes in the next few weeks. Whether or not the goal of improving school nutrition standards will be met during Obama's term remains to be seen. However, it is clear that the Obama administration wants to keep the issue of school nutrition in the minds of today's parents. Promoting awareness of healthy eating habits from a young age is certainly a message that Americans will continue to hear from both the First Lady as well as the President.
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