[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. ____________________