U.S. President Barack Obama on Monday signed into law a bill that would allow thousands more children to get into school-based meal programs where the lunches and dinners would become more nutritious, as part of a larger administration effort to fight childhood obesity. “At a very basic level, this act is about doing what's right for our children,” Obama said before signing the bill alongside his wife, First Lady Michelle Obama. The ceremony was moved from the White House, where most signings are held, to an elementary school in the District of Columbia to underscore the point. The bill is a high priority for both the president as well as the First Lady, who has launched a national campaign this year against childhood obesity. “We can agree that in the wealthiest nation on earth all children should have the basic nutrition they need to learn and grow,” the First Lady said. “Nothing is more important than the health and well-being of our children. Nothing.” The $4.5 billion measure would expand free school meals for the needy and give the government power to decide what kinds of foods may be sold in schools. The legislation also increases the federal reimbursement for free school lunches by six cents a meal at a time when many school officials say they cannot afford to provide the meals. The new money also will allow 20 million additional after-school meals to be served annually in all 50 states. Most states now only provide money for after-school snacks. Obama used the occasion to laud lawmakers of both parties for passing the bill, saying it shows they can unite on issues that affect the future of the nation's children.
