The USDA invited the public to participate
in a broad-based dialogue about the future of the Child
Nutrition and WIC programs. A series of listening sessions
across the country during the summer of 2008 gave hundreds
of people the opportunity to meet face-to-face with senior
USDA officials and provide their input and assessment of
these programs. The specific programs that were addressed
included: WIC, National School Lunch Program, School
Breakfast Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, Summer
Food Service Program, Farmers Market Nutrition Program,
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, and the Special Milk
Program.
The Listening Sessions were intended to help
the Department better understand the needs and concerns of
the program participants and partners at the State and local
levels. This summary presents the major themes of the
testimony presented by over 320 participants. Speakers
included State and local agency officials, school
district representatives, professional organizations,
advocacy groups, program participants, and interested
citizens.
