Columns
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
in iowa's interest: fresh produce and a fresh outlook on nutrition
By Senator Tom Harkin
March is National Nutrition Month and a good time to think about the food we feed our children and choose to eat ourselves. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, only 14 percent of kids today eat the recommended daily amount of fruits and only 20 percent eat the daily recommended number of vegetables. These are startling numbers. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is an essential part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle for people of all ages.
As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, I authored the Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Program in the 2002 farm bill. This program brings fresh fruits and vegetables to elementary and secondary schools so that students can choose these nutritious snacks over candy and other unhealthy foods that can lead to long term health issues including obesity, heart problems and diabetes.
Today, 25 schools in Iowa take part in the program giving over 12,000 Iowa school children access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Nationwide, the program has expanded to serve students in 14 states plus three Indian Tribal Organizations.
Students, parents, and teachers all report that the program has been a success. States that are not participating in the program are clamoring to do so. Students who once could not even identify a kiwi or cucumber are now eating and enjoying these foods.
The new farm bill currently moving through Congress would expand this successful program and give 65,000 Iowa students and 4.5 million students nationwide free fruits and vegetables at school. With this historic expansion of the Fruit and Vegetable Program, not only do we make tremendous investments in the health of our children, but we show that farm bills are not just about farm policy, but can and should be about the health of our kids. I am delighted we have the opportunity to expand this program in Iowa and nationally.
So this March, during National Nutrition Month, I urge all Iowans to make healthy eating choices and choose to reach for that apple or carrot rather than the bag of chips or candy bar. Through these small decisions we can all enjoy a healthier, happier and longer life.
