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Breaking News from America's Progressive Community... Latest Releases
The press releases posted here have been provided to NewsCenter by the one of the many progressive organizations we have selected to participate. If you would like more information about this press release, you should contact the organization directly. |
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| NOVEMBER 6, 1998 3:22 PM FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) (202) 986-2200 |
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| FRAC Hails Child Nutrition And WIC Programs Bill Signing; Calls Law "Good News" For Youngsters, Parents, Schools, And Communities | ||||
| WASHINGTON - November 6 - "President
Clinton's signing of the Child Nutrition and WIC Programs Reauthorization bill is good
news for America's children and their parents," said Jim Weill, President of the Food
Research and Action Center (FRAC). "Children need food after-school, before school,
in summers or in child care while their parents work and commute or if their parents can't
afford enough nourishing food for every meal. This law will help to ensure that the
nation's children receive the nourishment they need." FRAC hailed the achievement as a product of the collective efforts of the Administration and a broad, bipartisan coalition inside -- and outside -- of Congress. "The U.S. Department of Agriculture led the way in proposing a child nutrition reauthorization measure and working tirelessly toward its passage," said Weill. "U.S. Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman and his Under Secretary Shirley Watkins made this bill an important priority, and it shows." The measure, which the President signed into law on October 31st, authorizes the Summer Food Program and the WIC Program; adds 13-18 year old children to the group eligible for food in after-school programs run by schools or non-profits; makes it easier for non-profit groups to run summer food programs; authorizes a set of research pilot efforts to draw more children into the School Breakfast Program; and makes other improvements. The conference report on the legislation cleared the Senate, under unanimous consent, and the House, by a vote of 422 to 1, on October 7th and 9th, respectively. "This law lays the groundwork for more and better child care programs and after- school and summer programs to keep children learning, engaged, and safe," explained Ellen Teller, FRAC Senior Attorney for Government Affairs. "We will be working with youth serving agencies, schools, state officials and others to translate the law's potential into more real opportunities for children to learn and develop while getting nutritious meals and snacks." ### |
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