We need your help to provide good nutrition for all children at school. Please contact your state Representative today and urge him/her to express their strong support for the School Nutrition bill (H. 4376) to Chairman DeLeo and Speaker DiMasi and encourage that the bill come to a vote on the floor of the House.

H. 4376,   “An Act to Promote Proper Nutrition,” would direct the Department of Public Health (DPH) to establish nutrition standards for snacks and beverages sold in vending machines, school stores, and cafeteria a la carte lines. These standards would be in accordance with Institute of Medicine guidelines, which recommend that sodas be replaced with water, low- and non-fat milk, and juice; fat and sugar be reduced in snacks; and fresh fruits and vegetables be made more available in cafeterias.

Thank you in advance for your support.
 

Sample Letter for Campaign

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

Childhood obesity rates are skyrocketing in Massachusetts. Between 25 to 30 percent of the state's 10 to 17 year olds are overweight or obese. These children face serious health consequences, including higher risk of developing diabetes, asthma, heart disease, depression, and low self esteem.

The time to prevent obesity is childhood, and schools are excellent place to start. "An Act to Promote Proper School Nutrition" (H. 4376), sponsored by Representative Peter Koutoujian, would help by improving the nutritional quality of school foods. The bill has been approved by two legislative committees, Public Health and Health Care Financing, and is currently in the House Ways and Means Committee.

Schools have found that they can improve the nutritional quality of foods without decreasing revenue. In fact in many schools, school meals participation increases and revenues increase.

Please help promote healthy nutrition for all children in Massachusetts by signing the letter of support for the the School Nutrition Bill (H.4376) being circulated by Representative Canavan and urge that the bill come to a vote on the floor of the House.

I look forward to hearing whether you will support this important piece of legislation.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
May 16, 2008