WASHINGTON - Congressman Adam H. Putnam (FL-12) voted in support of legislation which would extend authorization of expiring School Lunch and Child Nutrition programs for one year.

“Today we face a continuing challenge in improving the quality of the American diet, particularly among our nation’s children, as we see an alarming increase in obesity that leads to coronary heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes,” said Putnam. “As Congress considers comprehensive reform of School Lunch and Child Nutrition programs in the near future, it is imperative that federal nutrition services provide the fundamental tools to promote lasting health through sound nutritional choices.”

“The U.S. Surgeon General reports that fruit, juice and vegetable consumption are a central part of this commitment to improve health and provide protective effects from most cancers, heart disease and obesity,” said Putnam. “Unfortunately, most children do not meet the recommended guidelines of five servings a day of fruit and vegetables. Schools need to improve the nutritional quality of food and meals by replacing unhealthy snacks. ”

“I recently introduced H.R. 2592, the Healthy America Act, which would expand and enhance policies that recognize and encourage the consumption of fruits, vegetables and juices as critical to promoting health and preventing an array of chronic diseases,” Putnam stated.  “This legislation would elevate the federal government’s investment in nutrition program priorities to better address the significant role that a proper diet plays in health promotion and disease for the neediest Americans. Most importantly, it would make permanent and expand the fruit and vegetable pilot program to all 50 states.”

“Improving our children’s nutrition with fruits, vegetables, and juices is a necessary step to combating the skyrocketing rates of obesity in children and teens as well as promoting better health,” Putnam concluded. “As Congress continues to consider long-term reauthorization of Child Nutrition and School Lunch programs, I urge adoption of these critical provisions in the Healthy America Act to give the children of this nation the access to nutritional benefits they deserve.”