support time for lunch & child nutrition act

Senator Blanche Lincoln has introduced a new version of the Child Nutrition Act.

While it includes stronger nutrition standards and some support for Farm to School initiatives, it only increases funding for Child Nutrition Programs by $500 million per year, which is half the funding President Obama has proposed, and much less than what Slow Food USA has advocated for.

The Senate Agriculture Committee will begin reviewing the bill this Wednesday, March 24th. Our very own Senator Cornyn is a member of the committee, so it’s critical he knows our position!

Please take a moment today to call Senator Cornyn’s DC office at (202) 224-2934 and ask him to support:
Helping schools serve healthier food by making the full investment of $1 billion per year for child nutrition programs – including $50 million for Farm to School programs.

More info is available at the Slow Food USA Time for Lunch website.

Calling Senator John Cornyn’s office in D.C.

Key messages to get across:

I’m asking Senator Cornyn to help schools serve healthier food by investing $1 billion per year in Child Nutrition programs.?
Please include $50 million over five years to support Farm to School programs, which link schools to local farms and help the local economy.

Phone number for Senator Cornyn: 202-224-2934

When the receptionist answers, say you’re a constituent (“I live in Austin”) and ask to speak with the staff member who works on child nutrition.

When you get through to the child nutrition staff member, say your name, where you’re from and whom you represent. If you’re calling on behalf of a Slow Food chapter, mention the size of your membership and mailing list – and feel free to mention that our network has sent 725 emails to Cornyn’s office in the last few weeks.

Ask the staff member if the Senator supports:

Helping schools serve healthier food by making the full $1 billion investment in Child Nutrition. ?
Including $50 million to support Farm to School programs, which link schools to local farms and help the local economy.

If the Senator’s position is the same as yours, thank the staff member. If it’s not, explain why you believe in healthy school food. Offer to send the staff member more information and encourage the legislator to re-consider the issue.

If the staff member wants more information, ask for his/her email address and follow up immediately. This is a great opportunity to become someone on whom the staff relies for information.

If you don’t get through to anyone and you’re leaving a voicemail, state your name and phone number, where you’re from and whom you represent. Encourage the Senator to support our policy goals (listed above).

That’s all. Please report back on how it goes. Thank you!