Nutrition

WASHINGTON, May 14 – Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) applauded inclusion of key nutrition, renewable energy, and food security provisions in a farm bill poised for final passage by the Senate later this week. The measure also expands the Milk Income Loss Contract Program crucial to Vermont dairy farmers.

Sanders championed a fresh-produce snack program. He helped to secure expanded support for wood as an energy resource. A nutrition education program that links schools with community gardens also was included at his request in the final bill.    » read more »

Ruling Will Help Consumers Make Healthy Menu Choices

April 16, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – A federal judge today ruled that certain fast-food and chain restaurants in New York City must comply with a requirement to disclose calorie information on their menus, rejecting arguments from the state restaurant association that the groundbreaking city ordinance was preempted by federal law.

Fast food: Photo by pengrin (CC)

U.S. District Judge Richard J. Holwell also rejected claims that the labeling ordinance violated the restaurants’ First Amendment rights.    » read more »

Judge: We need this legislation, and we need it now!

April 10, 2008 -- Rep. Art Staed and Sen. Staci Appel listen as Lt. Governor Patty Judge speaks at the Healthy Kids Press Conference on April 10, 2008. DES MOINES – Today, Lt. Governor Patty Judge called on the Iowa House of Representatives to move the Healthy Kids Act to the floor for a vote before the end of the legislative session.

Snack selections from a public school vending machine: Photo by Julian Bleeckr (CC)    » read more »

Department of Human Services and the Illinois Interagency Nutrition Council honor sixteen organizations statewide that promote nutrition and healthy living in their communities

March 19, 2008 -- SPRINGFIELD - Stressing the health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables, fighting obesity and improving food security for Illinois families, Illinois Governor Rod R. Blagojevich has declared March Nutrition Month in Illinois.

The Governor joins the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Illinois Interagency Nutrition Council (INC) to recognize community programs and partnerships that have demonstrated a commitment to their communities by implementing programs geared towards leading a nutritious and healthy lifestyle.    » read more »

Program to Phase in Fifteen Hundred Vendors Over Two Years into Neighborhoods with Low Consumption and Limited Access to Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

December 18, 2007 -- New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Speaker Christine C. Quinn today proposed legislation that would increase the number of food carts that sell fresh fruits and vegetables only. The carts will be located in neighborhoods throughout the five boroughs where access to fresh fruit and vegetables is limited.    » read more »

2007 Farm Bill Passes with Broad Support, Heads to Conference with House

December 14, 2007 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate today passed by an overwhelming majority the 2007 farm bill, The Food and Energy Security Act. The measure continues and improves farm income protection and makes historic investments for the future in energy, conservation, nutrition and rural development initiatives – all while staying within strict budget limits.    » read more »

Amendment to be offered to Senate farm bill has broad support

December 4, 2007 -- Washington, D.C. – Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today announced that they plan to offer an amendment to the pending Senate farm bill to update decades-old nutrition standards in schools.    » read more »