400 RETIRED ADMIRALS AND GENERALS SOUND ALARM OVER POTENTIAL DERAILMENT OF HEALTHY SCHOOL LUNCHES

As a result of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, more than 90 percent of the nation’s school districts are successfully implementing nutrition standards that ensure students are offered appealing, nourishing school lunches. This fall, schools will also be providing healthier options in vending machines and cafeteria “à la carte” lines.

Unfortunately, this success could be derailed by a misguided effort to thwart the continued implementation. Tomorrow, May 29th, the House Appropriations Committee is expected to approve a 2015 spending bill for the Agriculture Department. The “waiver” provision would mandate that USDA establish a process for states to waive updated school meal standards for any school that can verify a net loss of revenue in their food service program over a period of at least six months.

Retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Jamie Barnett—who lives in Arlington, Virginia—can discuss why the foods served in our nation’s schools could impact future military readiness. Please contact David Carrier at Mission: Readiness, dcarrier@missionreadiness.org, for additional information.

This bipartisan Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act was championed by nutrition and children’s advocates nationwide and also has been supported by the more than 400 retired admirals and generals who are members of Mission: Readiness. Our organization is mounting a united front on the war on obesity, which keeps more than one in five young adults between 17 and 24 ineligible for military service, and is the leading medical disqualifier for military service.

David Carrier, 202-464-5362, dcarrier@missionreadiness.org         

 Mission: Readiness is the nonpartisan national security organization of more than 400 retired generals and admirals calling for smart investments in America’s children.

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