Randi Weingarten
The American Federation of Teachers on Friday wrote Congress a letter urging rejection of proposals to grant waivers or otherwise ease up on the meals standards that have been imposed under the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act.

“From Syracuse to Denver, from Oklahoma City to Baltimore and many places in between, we have seen the benefits of healthier meals, more school gardens, and the incorporation of nutrition into the school curriculum for all students,” AFT President Randi Weingarten wrote in a letter sent to all members of the House of Representatives.

“These standards are now in place and are working. The AFT is proud to stand with First Lady Michelle Obama, advocates, parents, food service workers, teachers, school support staff and communities against any roll back of the current nutrition standards for school meals.”

In a news release, AFT added, “Instead of spending time slashing nutrition standards that parents, students, educators and communities wholeheartedly support and have already worked to incorporate in their schools, these members of Congress should be working to expand school and summer meal programs and increase investments in the things that actually help kids learn and grow — putting teachers back in the classroom and bringing back art, music, recess and the sciences to our schools; ensuring every school has full-time nurses and guidance counselors; ending the testing fixation; and providing services and supports to children and families.”

▪ American Federation of Teachers letter to the House