Know Your Government
Bill No. 0004

BE IT ENACTED BY THE 2007 STATE 4-H CONGRESS:

       Section 1: The federal Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act requires all schools that participate in the federal school lunch program adopt a wellness plan by June 30, 2006.

       Section 2: In compliance with the federal act the legislative body of Tennessee and the Tennessee Board of Education has developed and implemented a policy that, at a minimum, ensures compliance with the rules outlined for the sale and distribution of foods and beverages within the school.

      Section 3: Research through the University of Tennessee and the University of Tennessee Extension concurs that childhood obesity in Tennessee is a growing concern. Research shows about 10 percent of children ages 2-5 and 15 percent of children ages 6-19 are obese, and the percentages have more than doubled in the last two decades.

       Section 4: The University of Tennessee Extension 4-H and Youth Development program reaches more than 176,233 youth, ages 9-19 who are involved in educational programming through project groups, school clubs, educational trips, judging activities, regional and state competitions.

       Section 5: In compliance with and in support of the federal Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act and the Tennessee School Wellness Plan, this act will require that all 4-H and Youth Development functions comply with the nutritional quality standards developed for the distribution of foods and beverages. As outlined by the standards, chips, cereals, french fries, bake goods and other snacks may contain no more than 230 mg. of sodium per serving, calories from saturated fat must be below 10 percent, and calories from sugar must be at or below 35 percent by weight.

       Section 6: All laws in conflict with this act are hereby repealed.

       Section 7: This act shall become effective upon passage by the legislature and approval by the Governor.