The Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act was signed on June 30, 2004 (Child, 2004). Because childhood obesity is reaching epidemic proportions in the United States, Republican's acted to "increase focus on comprehensive solutions that incorporate healthy habits, nutritional education, and increased physical activity." The bill also continues aid to Women, Infants and Children (WIC). The Act centers on National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs, After-school Snack Programs, Summer Food Service Programs, and Child and Adult Care Food Programs. It also improves access to Child Nutrition Programs for Military families and Other Eligible Children, and ensures integrity, efficiency, and quality in the School Lunch Program. For the WIC program, it strengths its integrity, improves nutrition, and enhances infant formula benefits.
The Act promotes nutritional education and physical activity in schools at the state and local levels, and requires them to institute wellness policies designed and implemented at the local level (Child, 2004). It encourages children to drink cow's milk, authorizes expansion of the Fruit and Vegetable program, and improves quality and safety standards. Children of Armed Forces personnel will continue to receive free or reduced-price meals at school, for-profit childcare centers can participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and private, non-profit groups will be able to continue their Summer Food Service Programs. Paperwork and accounting will be made more efficient and simplified, and accountability will be improved.. Technological improvements such as automated meal cards will reduce the stigma for children receiving free and reduced-price meals. It will ensure supplemental foods available through WIC meet with current nutritional standards and authorize funds for the states for this program.
Latest figures show that over 15 percent of children and adolescents between the ages ...