DeLauro Discusses Importance of Healthy School Lunches at Bielefield Elementary School

NEW HAVEN, CT—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) today joined Bielefield Elementary School Principal Jeff Fournier, Ava McGlew, Food & Nutrition Manager for Middletown Public Schools and members of the Bielefield Wellness Committee for a discussion on the importance of healthy school lunches.

“Good nutrition is one of the foundations of learning,” DeLauro said to a packed room of school officials and child advocates. “It helps children stay alert and engaged in class. Study after study shows that children who receive nutrition assistance perform better in school, and grow into healthier adults. They are better prepared for the workplace, and even earn more. Ultimately, we must ensure all our students have the opportunity to succeed and healthier school meals are a key part of that.”

The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, which authorizes child nutrition programs, including the school lunch program, is due for reauthorization. Some in Congress are pushing to soften the standards that allow our kids to get more fruits and vegetables, and less sugar, fat and salt, in their school lunch. DeLauro strongly supports keeping the current standards, which have already been met by 93 percent of schools, in place. A recent Harvard study concluded that, under the updated standards, kids are now eating 16 percent more vegetables and 23 percent more fruit at lunch.

For the past 10 years, Bielefield has had a Wellness Committee in place that ensures healthier snacks, after-school nutrition programs and exercise throughout the school day.

October 12-16 is National School Lunch Week. The National School Lunch program helps provide over 30 million healthy meals daily at more than 100,000 schools and child care institutions.


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