Child Nutrition Legislation Clears House Education Committee

In 1973 a young George Lucas' influential film American Graffiti topped the box office, the average home cost was $29,900, a gallon of gas ran you around 50 cents and a dozen eggs cost 45 cents. Tragically, it was also the last time congress raised the federal reimbursement rate for school meals. Today, about one in three American kids and teens are overweight or obese, nearly triple the rate in 1963. 

With the passing of the Child Nutrition Legislation in the House, the situation could finally improve.

"The bill includes sweeping reforms to significantly increase access and remove barriers to child nutrition programs, improve the quality of the meals served and implement new school food safety guidelines. The bill would increase the reimbursement rate for schools -- the first increase in over 30 years. Additionally, for the first time, it would require schools to set standards for foods served outside the cafeteria, including vending machines."