Pelosi Wants Immediate Vote On Childhood Nutrition Bill

By A.J. Swartwood

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) called for immediate reauthorization of child nutrition legislation that aims to fight childhood obesity and hunger while promoting healthy eating habits.

The bill, which passed the Senate back in August, will be voted on in the House tomorrow.

“It’s the right, moral thing for us to do,” Pelosi said during a conference call with reporters. She said the bill would help prepare students both physically and mentally for a future in the workforce in an ever-increasingly competitive global market.

The bill, which includes restrictions on junk foods, increases healthy lunch programs and food services for low income children.

“We cannot afford to avoid this challenge,” said Pelosi, who also thanked First Lady Michelle Obama for shining a spotlight on the issue.