Garamendi in Contra Costa to commemorate National Nutrition Month

On Tuesday, Congressman John Garamendi (DCA08) joined U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, California First Partner Jennifer Siebel-Newsom, and California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond at Betty Reid Soskin Middle School in El Sobrante to commemorate National Nutrition Month and National School Breakfast Week.

At the event, the group discussed the Biden-Harris Administration's National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. Ensuring children have consistent access to meals that support their health and well-being is the cornerstone of this plan, and that's why today the group highlighted the innovative school lunch program at Betty Reid Soskin Middle School that could be implemented at a national level.

The group also discussed Rep. Garamendi's “American Food for American Schools” legislation, which aims to increase the “Buy American” requirements under the National School Lunch Program to ensure students have the healthiest food possible in their school lunches.

“I was thrilled to join Secretary Vilsack and my distinguished colleagues today to discuss the incredible school nutrition program at Betty Reid Soskin Middle School,” Garamendi said. “Here, students and faculty alike manage a school garden program that supplies organic produce for school lunches throughout the region. West Contra Costa Unified School District and the Biden Administration understand the critical relationship between a healthy student and academic achievement, and that's why the school district partners with local, organic farmers through the use of U.S. Department of Agriculture grants. The school garden and school lunch programs at Betty Reid Soskin Middle School are exemplary, and as a member of Congress, I will work to support these programs and ensure they are achievable for every school district in America.”

Garamendi went on to talk about his “American Food for American Schools” legislation.

“This will build upon our successful effort last year to improve the `Buy American' reporting requirements in the House-passed Child Nutrition Reauthorization,” Garamendi said. “Every student deserves access to nutritious food to fuel a healthy and prosperous life. Everyone in attendance today will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that goal is realized.”