American School Food Service Association Endorses Farm Bill Proposal Made by Senator Harkin.

Business Editors

ALEXANDRIA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 1, 2001

The American School Food Service Association (ASFSA) is pleased to endorse the Farm Bill proposal made by Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. Marcia Smith, President of ASFSA states, "We are especially enthusiastic about the strong nutrition provisions of this legislation.

Senator Harkin continues to lead the way in the fight against hunger in America, and throughout the world."

In particular, ASFSA endorses that section of the proposed legislation that would maintain current levels of USDA commodity support for the National School Lunch Program. USDA commodity support is vital to the integrity of the School Lunch Program, relied upon by more than 27 million children each day. Without the Chairman's leadership, and the support of Senators Johnson and Craig, the School Lunch Program would have been cut by over $55 million per year making it that much more difficult to serve children a nutritious meal.

ASFSA is a national, non-profit professional organization representing more than 56,000 members who provide high-quality, low-cost meals to students across the country. Founded in 1948, ASFSA is the only association devoted exclusively to protecting and enhancing children's health and well-being through school meals and sound nutrition education. For more information ASFSA go to their web site www.asfsa.org.