Washington
, D.C.
, May 15, 2008
– The American Public Health Association (APHA) applauds the House and Senate for overwhelmingly
passing the 2008 farm bill and urges the president to quickly sign the bipartisan legislation when it arrives on his desk.
Along with strong congressional support, the farm bill has broad support among organizations representing the nation’s health, agriculture, conservation and nutrition interests.
“While this legislation is not perfect, it represents a significant step forward for several important nutrition provisions,” said Georges C. Benjamin, MD, FACP, FACEP (E), executive director of APHA. “We hope the president does not once again fail to improve the public’s health by carrying out his threat to veto this important legislation.”
Provisions in the legislation aimed at improving health and nutrition include the expansion of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, which provides free fresh fruits and vegetables to low-income children in our nation’s schools; a significant increase in funding to feed our nation’s poor; greater assistance for food banks and community food projects; as well as the expansion of other key safety net and nutrition programs that will benefit the health of millions of Americans.