Support for improved child nutrition programs is expanding and, as reported by the Chicago-based American Dietetic Association, coming from unlikely sources. The ADA reports that the Defense Authorization Bill includes support for the reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act, an opportunity that arises every five years. Programs affected by this include the Special Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and the Child and Adult Care Food Program. more ›

The USDA has set up a series of "listening sessions" in preparation for reauthorizing the 2009 Child Nutrition Act. The Act, among other things, helps determine school food policy and resources granted to lunch programs. A listening session scheduled tomorrow afternoon from 1-4 p.m. at the department's Food and Nutrition Services Office (77 W. Jackson, 20th floor, room 1331) is your opportunity to let your voice be heard — we're assuming it's the USDA doing the listening — and make your opinions on how our children are fed during school hours known. You'll also be helping out the Healthy Schools Campaign. RSVP here. [The Stew] more ›