This week, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack previewed the Obama Administration's legislative priorities for reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act on a national conference call. One of the top priorities highlighted was improving the quality of school meals and the healthfulness of the school environment, underscoring that more fruits and vegetables should be served to American school children.

Secretary Vilsack also noted that children are eating far less than the recommended daily amounts of dark green and dark orange vegetables and fruits and whole grains. This deficiency - underscored by the recent report by the Institute of Medicine, entitled School Meals: Building Blocks for Healthy Children - puts children at increased risk for a variety of obesity-related conditions like diabetes, heart disease, cancer and high blood pressure.

"The potential for the produce industry is significant," said United Vice President of Nutrition and Health Dr. Lorelei DiSogra. "Adding one to two more servings of fruits and vegetables to 31 million school lunches everyday will create many new business opportunities for produce and significantly benefit children's health. United Fresh is leading the initiative on Capitol Hill and with the Obama Administration to ensure that these recommendations become a reality and that more fresh fruits and vegetables are served. We are also working closely with Reps. Sam Farr (D-CA) and Adam Putnam (R-FL) on the Children’s Fruit and Vegetable Act of 2009."

For more information about United’s work on child nutrition, please contact Dr. DiSogra at 202-303-3400 ext. 403.