Congressman Paul Tonko Introduces Bill to Expand Universal Classroom Breakfast for Low-Income Children

From Representative Tonko's website (http://tonko.house.gov/2009/12/rep-tonko-introduces-bill-to-expand-univeral-school-breakfast-program.shtml):

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Paul Tonko introduced a bill today in the U.S. House of Representatives that will help thousands of low-income children receive a free, nutritious breakfast at school. The Universal Classroom Breakfast Expansion Act will create a competitive grant program that will assist schools serving low-income children to establish a universal classroom breakfast program.

"Every child deserves a healthy breakfast to start their day, but the current school breakfast program misses too many students," said Congressman Tonko. "That is why I am proud to introduce the Universal Classroom Breakfast Expansion Act, to help our schools ensure that every child has access to a good breakfast every day. Especially in these difficult economic times, for our municipalities, schools and families, it is important that we give our nation’s children the opportunity to succeed and enhance their mind, body and soul. Daily breakfast does just that."

The Nutrition Consortium's Executive Director, Linda Bopp, is quoted in the press release:

Linda Bopp, Executive Director of the Nutrition Consortium of NYS, said, "We commend Congressman Paul Tonko for introducing the ‘Universal Classroom Breakfast Expansion Act’, and urge all members of the New York State Congressional delegation to co-sponsor this legislation that allows for universal classroom breakfast start-up grants. At a time when so many families across the state are struggling to make ends meet, the School Breakfast Program offers a healthy and affordable option to ensure children begin their school day without hunger. Research shows that schools with universal breakfast in the classroom programs have double and triple the breakfast participation rates of those who serve in the cafeteria."


For the full press release, go to: http://tonko.house.gov/2009/12/rep-tonko-introduces-bill-to-expand-univeral-school-breakfast-program.shtml