Congressman DeSaulnier Introduces Effort to Help Schools Provide Healthy Meals to Students

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) and Congressman Glenn ‘G.T.' Thompson (R-PA) introduced the School Food Modernization Act, bipartisan legislation that will help local schools replace outdated kitchen equipment in an effort to provide healthy and nutritious meals to students. A national survey by Pew Kids' Safe and Healthful Foods Project indicates that 88 percent of school districts need at least one piece of new kitchen equipment, and 55 percent require infrastructure changes. Similar legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tina Smith (D-MN). The School Food Modernization Act is also supported by Rep. Mike Kelly (R-IL) and Rep. Ann McLane Kuster (D-NH).

"Research proves that students need nutritious and filling meals to do their best in school," said Congressman Mark DeSaulnier. "While our understanding of nutrition has improved, schools' infrastructure remains stuck in the past. This legislation helps schools get the tools they need to provide fresh, healthy meals. I am happy to join this bipartisan effort to ensure that all students have access to the fuel they need to stay healthy and succeed in school."

"The School Food Modernization Act will expand the accessibility of equipment used for preparing high quality school meals," Congressman Thompson said. "Nutrition plays a critical role in a child's development, and for far too many children, their only meal of the day is the one they receive at school. That is why we must ensure our food service professionals receive all the necessary assistance to offer healthy and nutritious meals to our children."

"As a mother, I know that kids need nourishing meals in order to stay focused in school and reach their full potential," said Congresswoman Kuster. "I am proud to join my colleagues to introduce the School Food Modernization Act. This commonsense, bipartisan legislation would help ensure that schools have the kitchen equipment, infrastructure, and staff training to serve nutritious meals for students."

"America's infrastructure, including its schools, are aging and require upgrades," said Congressman Kelly. We are looking for creative ways to address this growing problem, which is why I am a proud sponsor of the School Food Modernization Act, a bill that will help local schools upgrade their kitchens. Students need fresh, healthy foods to feed their growing bodies and learning minds. This program will give schools the tools to buy equipment to provide these vital food options."

"When schools are equipped with adequate tools like cold storage, slicing and dicing equipment, and enticing displays like salad bars, serving a wide variety of fresh fruits and veggies is that much easier," said Tom Stenzel, President & CEO of the United Fresh Produce Association. "United Fresh is delighted that the School Food Modernization Act is being introduced this year, and thank Representatives DeSaulnier, Thompson, Kuster, and Kelly for their leadership on this issue. We're hopeful this will make it into a comprehensive Child Nutrition Reauthorization package this year."

The legislation:

• Allows schools to participate in a loan assistance program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help them acquire new kitchen equipment and build new infrastructure. Schools would be eligible for federal guarantees up to 80 percent of the loan.
• Provides targeted grant assistance to give school administrators and food service directors seed money for less extensive infrastructure upgrades or purchases of high-quality, durable kitchen equipment such as commercial ovens, steamers, and stoves.
• Strengthens training and provides technical assistance to school food service personnel, many of whom need additional skills and expertise to prepare healthier meals.
• Increases Congressional oversight by requiring reports on the use of workforce training funds and the progress of the programs authorized within this bill.

This is the third time Congressman DeSaulnier is introducing the School Food Modernization Act, having done so in the two previous sessions of Congress with former Congressman Lou Barletta (R-PA).

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