Pelosi: Republicans Vote to Take Healthy Food Out of the Mouths of Children

Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today after Republicans on the House Appropriations Committee passed an agriculture spending bill that would allow schools to opt out of nutrition standards requiring that students receive healthy meals. The legislation also makes white potatoes eligible for purchase under the Women Infants and Children (WIC) initiative, despite their weak nutritional value.

"Republicans seem intent on consistently outdoing themselves in their indifference to the needs and health of the American people. Millions of children nationwide rely on school breakfast and lunch for their daily meals and for essential nutrition. Just as these students face the food insecurity of the summer months, Republicans are determined to overrule the views of medical professionals so these children can eat fewer fruits and vegetables, and pregnant mothers and infants can consume more potatoes.

"This stance represents the epitome of the Republican approach to public policy: it rejects science; ignores clear-cut facts and evidence; and betrays the best interests of America's families while protecting the special interests.

"Once again, Republicans are voting to take food out of the mouths of our children. They are preying on the most vulnerable in our society. This is not who we are as a nation. We must never penalize hungry children simply because of where they live or go to school. We must ensure that our students in urban and rural areas have access to the food and nutrition they need to succeed in the classroom and lead healthy lives."

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