Denise Majette: “I rise today to stress the importance of child nutrition and to support the extension of these programs with the passage…”

“I rise today to stress the importance of child nutrition and to support the extension of these programs with the passage of H.R. 3232. These programs will be reauthorized today with little fanfare. Their significance, however, far exceeds the attention we will devote to them. The first time Congress authorized a nutrition program for our children was during the Great Depression in 1935. At that time, millions of children came to school unable to pay for their school lunches. Malnutrition among children was a national concern. Despite our country's poor economic conditions, Congress realized that its first priority must be to feed our Nation's hungry children. Today, child nutrition programs have been expanded, and they represent the best of America because after all, a hungry child cannot learn. I am pleased to note that these programs are very successful in feeding hungry children. In my home State of Georgia, more than 600,000 children are given financial support to purchase much-needed lunch meals. For many, it is the only meal they will have all day.”