Senator holds hearing on how to improve school-lunch programs

With the expiration of several child-nutrition programs, and the uncertain effects on school lunches nationwide looming, U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS), chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, hosted a hearing on Thursday to review the programs and discuss how to improve services and products without damaging the integrity or the nutritional value of school lunches.

The nutritional programs governing most school lunches are set to expire in September, and as school districts of all sizes across the country are struggling to install new services, products and regulations, Roberts has been visiting schools across Kansas, his home state, eating lunch with students and listening to learn the pros and cons of the current system.

“We will need to improve the administration of these programs to reduce errors, but do so in a way that does not layer additional federal bureaucracy and overreach on those who are seeking to feed hungry schoolchildren,” Roberts said. “My travels in Kansas have indicated that we need some flexibility. Many folks are worried about what flexibility means, but to me, flexibility means we still protect the tremendous gains already achieved by many and provide assistance to others so they too may achieve success.”

Adding to the concerns, recent reports from the USDA Office of Inspector General and the Government Accountability Office highlighted several significant error rates and improper payment levels within school-lunch programs.

“The Agriculture Committee will conduct this reauthorization in an open and transparent manner that gives members an opportunity to pass good legislation for their constituents,” Roberts said. “I would like for (any pending legislation regarding school-lunch nutrition) to be a bipartisan bill, and I am pleased that Ranking Member (Debbie) Stabenow (D-MI) feels the same way. With the entire committee working together, we can develop a well-rounded bill that will improve the operation of these important programs. It is also my intention to complete this reauthorization on time – before the programs expire at the end of September.”