Child Nutrition

President Harry S. Truman signed the Lunch Act in 1946 which states "no nation is any healthier than its children or more prosperous than its farmers". Because of his actions, school lunches have been a big part of feeding and keeping children healthy. President Obama has pledged to end childhood hunger by investing $1 billion a year; and now the Child Nutrition Act is up for reauthorization. Along with this plan, Michelle Obama has had her eye on childhood obesity, stating that a healthy nutrition is the way to go, and in February 2010 launched the “Let’s Move” campaign. I feel that school lunches are very important especially if they're providing a healthy source of nutrition for young people. So having said that, students should be provided with healthy and good food in order to focus better in school; without a healthy meal kids won’t be able to perform as well academically. The goal for ending childhood hunger is 2015 and with the right dedication and motivation I think it will be achieved. Another program that benefits from the Lunch Act is the Women, Infant, and Children program also known as WIC. By providing healthy food for women and children who can’t afford it, helps with eliminating obesity and many other health problems among youth. This health battle is a big thing and I feel like everyone should be involved to set things straight so we can have healthier communities. For more information on how you can help support healthy food access for kids and youth, please contact the Alameda County Food Bank or your local food bank. Produced by Rynesha Snowden