Salt of the Earth: Bill funds food and education

In session
June 2001

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Bill funds food and education
Twenty million children in developing countries may be sitting down to school lunches for the first time next year, if a $750 million "food for education" bill passes Congress.

The bill, modeled after the U.S. school lunch program, would expand a $300 million pilot project former President Clinton launched last year. It would allocate up to $750 million a year mainly to purchase surplus farm commodities, but the program would also support food distribution, teacher training, book purchasing, and family nutrition programs.

Ken Hackett, Catholic Relief Services executive director, called the bill and its provisions "bold, first steps," toward improving education and nutrition in the developing world. He was pleased the legislation provides for "more than just handing out food." Supporters believe it will help get children, especially girls, into schools.

Former Sen. George McGovern, now the U.S. food and agriculture representative to the U.N., developed the plan. He and former Sen. Robert Dole created the national school lunch program in the 1970s. Rep. James McGovern (D-Mass.) introduced the House version of the bill May 3; a Senate introduction is anticipated.

If passed, the legislation would phase in funding, beginning with $350 million in 2002 and $700 million in 2003.—Anne Graber

More info:
George McGovern-Robert Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Act
Catholic Relief Services

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