WAMC New York News
(2009-07-22)
The New York Democrat says as lawmakers debate healthcare reform, she's proposing legislation to make school lunches healthier. Gillibrand wants to increase the federal reimbursement rate for the National School Lunch Program.
By increasing the rate by 70 cents, Gillibrand says schools will be able to provide more nutritous meals.
"This is an investment," Gillibrand said. "I think making sure that our children don't become obese, and don't become obese adults and cost our healthcare system $500 billion a year is a very important priority."
Gillibrand is also proposing legislation that would ban trans fats in school lunches and would reduce the amount of junk foods and snacks available in schools.
According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity among children is on the rise. Gillibrand says in Western New York, 60 percent of adults are overweight or obese.
© Copyright 2012, wned
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