PMA comment - reauthorization of child nutrition programs

From Kathy Means of PMA, the association's comment on child nutrition reauthorization:

October 15, 2008

To: Robert M. Eadie, Chief, Policy and Program Development Branch, Child Nutrition Service, Food and Nutrition Service, Department of Agriculture

From: Kathy Means, Vice President, Government Relations and Public Affairs, Produce Marketing Association

Re: Comments on Request for Public Comments for Use in Preparing for 2009 Reauthorization of Child Nutrition Programs and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Programs and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Programs for Women, Infants and Children; FNS-2008-0011-0001

The Produce Marketing Association (PMA) is pleased to submit these comments to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in response to the May 20, 2008 Federal Register request for comments on the 2009 reauthorization of child nutrition programs.

PMA is the largest global not-for-profit trade association representing companies that market fresh fruits and vegetables. We represent 3,000 companies, from grower-shippers and supermarket retailers, to hotel and restaurant chains and overseas importers. Within the United States, PMA members handle more than 90 percent of fresh produce sold to consumers.

PMA welcomes the opportunity to submit comments on the upcoming reauthorization of federal nutrition programs, including the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program. We encourage USDA and will similarly encourage Congress to take an expansive and innovative approach in this reauthorization. The issue of nutrition and the access and quality of the federal programs stand as critical issues to our nation. In the reauthorization, policymakers must address both hunger and obesity and examine the delivery of services through the federal programs.

Congressional reauthorization of child nutrition follows on the heels of 2008 farm bill. PMA joined with a coalition of specialty crop groups to advocate for advances in nutrition and other programs important to our members. In the farm bill, Congress demonstrated its support for increasing consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables in the school lunch and other federal feeding programs by providing for dramatic increases in the Fruit and Vegetable Snack Program and in fruits and vegetables commodity purchases (including via “DoD Fresh”). Congress recognizes that increasing consumption of fresh produce is an important public goal and that focusing nutrition programs on nutritious foods fosters lifetime habits of healthy eating.

The fact that Congress has already endorsed these principles should embolden USDA to develop recommendations that focus on the critical role of fresh fruits and vegetables in a healthful diet. All federal feeding programs must meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the programs should maximize nutrition. There should be additional opportunities to make fruits and vegetables available both inside and outside of the schools. Though challenges exist to make perishable commodities available in schools, the reauthorization process provides the opportunity to address those challenges and increase access. The success of the snack program demonstrates the popularity of fresh fruits and vegetables when they are made available to students and other feeding program recipients.

In addition to improving access to healthy foods, the programs should expand efforts to teach children and feeding program recipients the importance of nutrition. Nutrition education programs can address long-term health issues and work in concert with the feeding programs. WIC is one such program that offers an immediate introduction to fresh and wholesome fruits and vegetables. WIC coupons should encourage the consumption of produce, including white potatoes, while reflecting the cost of today’s food, such as the Institute of Medicine has recommended (which would mean an increase allowances in the fruit and vegetable vouchers). The program, and other feeding programs, meet immediate nutritional needs while also building healthy eating habits.

PMA applauds your efforts to gather public comment in advance of the congressional reauthorization and we look forward to working with you throughout this process.