COCHRAN SUPPORTS SENATE LEGISLATION
TO REAUTHORIZE CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS

Senator Secures Increased Support for Food Service Management Institute at Ole Miss

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today supported Senate passage of a bill to reauthorize federal nutrition programs that provide reduced price and free meals to low-income children.

The Senate passed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (S.3307) by unanimous consent Thursday.  The legislation represents a five-year reauthorization—through 2015—of federal child nutrition programs. Cochran also supported the measure when it was approved by the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee in March.

“Our goal with this legislation is to improve the meals offered to students through these federal programs so that this assistance results in healthier, happier children.  I think this bill makes those improvements, and I am convinced these changes will benefit the thousands of Mississippi children who rely on these meals,” Cochran said.

During development of the bill, Cochran secured approval to increase the federal funding authorization for the National Food Service Management Institute (NFSMI) located at the University of Mississippi. 

At Cochran’s request, the annual authorization for the NFSMI is increased by $1.0 million to a total of $5.0 million annually.  The NFSMI, working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service, is focused on training and educating school food service operations nationwide on current food nutrition standards and practices.

“The Food Service Management Institute at Ole Miss works to turn policies into good practices in the kitchens that prepare food for students and children across the country,” Cochran said.  “I am pleased with the increased funding authorization in the Senate bill and will work to provide this funding so that the Institute can broaden its outreach.”

Overall, S.3307 would allow more children from low-income households to qualify for reduced price or free meals.  It includes incentives for schools to offer healthier foods.  The legislation gives the USDA authority to regulate all foods sold on school campuses.  The bill authorizes an increase of more $3.0 billion for federal nutrition programs, and offsets the increased costs by reducing a food stamp education program and a USDA conservation program.

The bill must now be approved by the House of Representatives and signed by the President before it becomes law.