More than 1300 nutrition advocates gathered in Washington this week to lobby for funding priorities in the 2009 Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act.  Dr. Lorelei DiSogra, United Fresh vice president for nutrition and health, got an early start last Sunday morning by presenting a workshop on "Policy, Benefits and Opportunities – Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Snack Program" at the national conference of the Food Research and Action Center, before participating in the School Nutrition Association's Legislative Conference on Monday and Tuesday.
 
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack keynoted both conferences, noting the Obama Administration's commitment to increased funding for child nutrition programs, while specifically mentioning the inclusion of more fruits and vegetables in school meals. Secretary Vilsack emphasized that President Obama's 2010 budget proposal includes $1 billion per year to improve school meals.  Congressional staff said they expect to start work on the 2009 Child Nutrition bill this spring.

For more information, including United Fresh's priorities for Child Nutrition Reauthorization, please contact Lorelei at 202-303-3400 ext. 403.