04.24.24

Ranking Member Scott Applauds Biden Administration Rule to Provide Healthier Meals for Children

WASHINGTON– Ranking Member Scott issued the following statement after the Biden Administration released a final rule to improve nutrition standards for child nutrition programs and align them with the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs).

“Students should be served healthy meals at schools based on nutritional science and expert guidance, not based on political considerations or special interests. This is particularly important considering that school meals are the most substantial meal students will have for the day, and in other cases their only access to nutritious food. 

“Strong nutrition standards are also an essential tool for promoting health equity.  Many children from the most underserved communities and struggling families depend on school meals.  Better aligning school meal standards with the latest scientifically developed Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) in a pragmatic and phased-in approach ensures that meals are as nutritious as possible. 

“I look forward to working to do more to expand access to healthy foods, and I applaud the Biden-Harris Administration for finalizing this rule that will help close gaps and improve access to healthy food.” 

To read Ranking Member Scott’s comment letter to the Department of Agriculture on the initial proposal to improve nutrition standards, click here.

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