House should pass bill on child nutrition

School is starting; will students go hungry this year? Federal authorization for school breakfast and lunch programs expires Sept. 30.

Hunger significantly interferes with learning. As Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ill., pointed out, the school breakfast program has been directly linked to gains in math and reading scores, attendance and behavior, and speed and memory on cognitive tests. Forty-one percent of Cedar Rapids students and 30 percent of Iowa City students, qualify for free or reduced-price school meals. Their learning is at risk.

The Senate recently passed its bill reauthorizing child nutrition programs. A better bill has passed the House Education and Labor Committee and awaits action by the full House. Rep. Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa, deserves thanks for improving efficiency, access and participation by providing for direct certification of children qualified for Medicaid or Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP, formerly SCHIP). He also added provisions to enhance nutrition and combat obesity. And crucially, the House bill doesn't cut future food stamp benefits, as the Senate bill does.

When Congress reconvenes, the House should quickly pass its child nutrition bill and ensure that its provisions are retained during conference negotiations. Our children deserve the best bill possible.

Ellen Fisher

Cedar Rapids