An act to decrease childhood obesity rates in the U.S.

The Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 was signed into law in order to address alarming childhood obesity rates in the U.S. In this paper, I address the importance of the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 and how it enhances child health by improving the food environment for children in public schools. While this act has been subject to criticism, a close examination reveals that this legislation is an important step toward enhancing child health and wellness in the U.S., specifically through targeting childhood obesity. Indeed, by strengthening the USDA's oversight of nutrition in school food programs, mandating the availability of healthy beverages by law, and making the health of children a national priority, this act has potential to decrease childhood obesity rates and improve child health. Ultimately, the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 is crucial for establishing nutrition standards in public schools that have been ignored for years. These standards not only advance the health of millions of children currently attending public schools, but also the health of generations to come.