10/29/07

Senate Farm Bill Makes Progress but “Better Balance” Is Needed, says American Dietetic Association

FOR RELEASE OCTOBER 29 2007

Media contacts:  Jennifer Starkey, Tom Ryan   
800/877-1600, ext. 4802, 4894
media@eatright.org


CHICAGO – The American Dietetic Association commends progress made in recent days by the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry in its work on the 2007 Farm Bill’s nutrition title. ADA urges the Senate to adopt amendments to match new nutrition authorities with necessary resources so all Americans can live in a food and nutrition environment conducive to better health.

ADA supports floor amendments that would set nutrition standards for food sold in schools; fund food stamp and emergency food assistance programs at a level to meet rising numbers in poverty; and rebalance food and agriculture program benefits.

“More than 300 million Americans have an interest in a Farm Bill that provides a safety net for farmers and assists the hungry,” said registered dietitian and American Dietetic Association President Connie B. Diekman. “A better balance is needed in food and agriculture policies.”

“The Farm Bill needs to make tangible progress to improve people’s nutritional health. Programs and payments that tilt the equation for farmers to produce more commodities for industrial users and processors rather than grow nutritious foods for people to eat contribute to our current and future health problems,” Diekman said.

“New food and agricultural research, greater attention to food safety and inspection and the removal of farm programs that unduly influence or actually limit what farmers can and cannot grow are all needed. The committee’s bill goes part of the way, but its changes reflect a ‘farm business-as-usual’ lock on programs and resources,” Diekman said.

Diekman praised the Senate’s new pilot program to help food stamp recipients choose foods consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans; reauthorization for the nation’s long-running nutrition monitoring system, which tracks Americans’ eating habits and health status, improvements in school fruit and vegetable programs and greater opportunities for farmers to sell directly to consumers.

With more than 67,000 members, the American Dietetic Association is the nation’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA serves the public by promoting optimal nutrition, health and well-being. To locate a registered dietitian in your area, visit the American Dietetic Association at www.eatright.org.


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