The Senate unanimously passed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act on Thursday, providing an additional $4.5 billion over 10 years to federal child nutrition programs including school lunches. The bill will create new standards and tighter restrictions on food in schools.

If signed into law, it will be the first time in 30 years the federal government has increased funding for the programs.

A bipartisan bill, it was passed through a process known as unanimous consent, where all 100 senators agree to pass the bill without a voice vote. Unanimous consent is rare for high-profile and high-cost bills.

U.S. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), chair of the Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities and original co-sponsor of the legislation, said the bill emphasizes healthy food and healthy habits. “From provisions to encourage mothers to breast feed to infants, to addressing the need to begin working with preschoolers on forming healthy habits and promoting physical activity and quality recess time, this legislation takes a comprehensive approach to improving the health of our children,” she said.

It does not appear that the new standards would completely outlaw certain food items, but rather require them to be healthier, with less emphasis placed on candy and soda. The Department of Agriculture will make the final decision what will be included in schools.

First Lady Michelle Obama has pushed for the new standards. Other advocates include the American Heart Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the United Fresh Produce Association.

[ Source: Change.Org ]