Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the Healthy, Hunger- Free Kids Act, S. 3307, the largest Federal effort in 30 years to fight childhood obesity and hunger in Hawaii and nationwide. Our keiki's health is a crucial priority. I will vote to send this landmark child nutrition bill to President Obama for his signature. We've seen the statistics. Hawaii faced a 15 percent increase in diabetes rates from 2005 to 2009, and 28.5 percent of youth in Hawaii ages 10-17 are obese. Meanwhile, 9.1 percent of Hawaii residents are ``food insecure,'' lacking consistent access to enough food for a healthy and productive life. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act will take crucial steps to fight childhood obesity. The new law will authorize a higher reimbursement rate for schools that serve healthier meals. This is the first reimbursement rate increase in 30 years. The law will apply the latest dietary guidelines to all food served in schools, keeping junk food and soda out of vending machines and the cafeteria. Over 100,000 Hawaii students participate in the Federal school lunch program. I have visited school gardens at several schools in Hawaii, seeing firsthand how Farm-to-School programs can teach children about healthy eating as part of the curriculum. These programs can also help Hawaii farmers get their food into local schools. The new law includes $40 million in grants for Farm-to-School programs nationwide. Hungry kids cannot learn.…”