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Media Advisory No. 0102.15 Contact: USDA Office of Communications (202) 720-4623
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to Discuss Effects of Childhood Food Insecurity at American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference
WASHINGTON, October 23, 2015 – MONDAY, October 26, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will speak at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference about the Obama Administration’s initiatives to combat child food insecurity and why fostering a healthier next generation of Americans means a stronger economic future for our country.
With the help of federal programs such as the school meal programs, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), last year, the number of American children with consistent access to wholesome food was its highest since 2007. However, despite the success of these efforts, there are still more than 15 million U.S. children living in households that struggle with hunger. The impacts of childhood hunger are pervasive. Children who live in households that are food insecure get sick more often, recover more slowly from illness and are hospitalized more frequently. Additionally, lack of adequate healthy food can make it difficult for a child to concentrate, impairing performance in school, and is linked to higher levels of behavioral and emotional problems from preschool through adolescence.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recently released a policy statement recommending pediatricians screen all children for food insecurity, and since 2012, measures implemented under the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act have increased the number of students receiving at least one nutritious meal at school each day, resulting in improved overall health and higher school attendance. Secretary Vilsack continues to call on Congress to reauthorize child nutrition legislation to ensure America does not see a reversal of this important progress.
Monday, October 26, 2015 11:45 A.M. EDT
WHAT: Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will deliver remarks on food security and child nutrition at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference.
WHERE: Walter E. Washington Convention Center Ballroom 801 Mt. Vernon Place, N.W. Washington, D.C.
To RSVP: Please email Debbie Jacobson (djacobson@xxxxxxx) or Deandra Galarde (dgalarde@xxxxxxx) with your contact information. Journalists wishing to attend Secretary Vilsack's address must first check in at the press office, room 204A to obtain credentials.
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