Congress’ school lunch decision disappointing

We are disappointed in Congress passing the agriculture appropriations bill that weakens the USDA's ability to implement common-sense nutrition standards for school meals.

Childhood obesity is a national health concern, so Congress should be supporting USDA and school efforts to serve healthier school meals, not undermining them. School nutrition standards haven't been updated in 15 years, and during that time children's diets have suffered. Our nation's children face serious health risks that used to only affect adults, such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, as well as increased risk for other long-term, chronic diseases.

We hope Congress will do better by our kids in the future and leave the school food standards to the experts at USDA.

Kathe and Gary Goldstein

Cedar Rapids