[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 156 (Thursday, December 2, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2042-E2043]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HEALTHY, HUNGER-FREE KIDS ACT OF 2010

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 1, 2010

  Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the child nutrition 
bill, S. 3307, the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. The 
reauthorization of this bill will significantly improve child nutrition 
programs by addressing hunger and obesity in children. It will provide 
healthier meal options, eliminate junk-food and sugary beverages from a 
la carte lines and vending machines from all schools, increase student 
eligibility to access school meals and

[[Page E2043]]

enhance school wellness policies to improve opportunities for nutrition 
education and physical activity.
  At a time when unemployment rates continue to climb it is essential 
that we provide for the nutritional needs of our children. As a result 
of these tough economic times many families are stricken with poverty 
and are currently facing severe food shortages. Furthermore, obesity is 
increasing at an alarming rate due to poor dieting. Nearly one third of 
children are either overweight or at risk of becoming overweight. 
Obesity is even a greater problem amongst African-American children. 
Currently, thirty-six percent of African-American youth are either 
overweight or obese compared with less than thirty percent of white 
youth. This is a result of the fact that African American children are 
more likely to lack access to healthy fruits and vegetables at lunch 
time. For example, in a school with a majority of all Black students, 
forty-seven percent of Black middle school students receive fruits and 
vegetables compared to sixty-three percent of students in predominately 
white schools. Childhood hunger and obesity is unacceptable within our 
country. Moreover, these disparities must be addressed. Our children 
deserve better and, thus, the time to strengthen our child nutrition 
programs is now.
  It is disappointing that my Republican colleagues would attempt to 
kill this bill and leave children to the pain of hunger and lack of 
nutritional meal. But, we cannot afford to delay the passage of S. 
3307. This bill is our best chance at combating obesity and hunger and 
addressing disparities in child nutrition. Although it is paid in part 
by ending a temporary increase to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance 
Program (SNAP) benefits, I am confident that President Obama and his 
administration will work to restore these benefits before the SNAP cuts 
take place. I urge that my colleagues vote ``No'' on the Motion to 
Recommit and ``Yes'' on S. 3307.

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