TRENTON – Senator Shirley K. Turner, D-Mercer, and Chair of the Senate Education Committee, released the following statement today following a Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee hearing with Secretary of Agriculture Charles Kuperus:
“It is important that we all do our part to help end the epidemic of childhood obesity. A lack of physical activity and the increased availability of junk food has contributed to the increased number of overweight children. One area where this can be addressed is in the types of school breakfasts and lunches we serve our students. Statistics have shown that students who eat breakfast perform better in school. New Jersey’s schools must be able to provide delicious, nutritious, cost effective meals to help our children learn more effectively and promote a healthier lifestyle.”
During the Committee’s hearing, they discussed the role the Department of Agriculture plays in the State’s school breakfast and lunch programs, and how they can cooperate with schools to help fight childhood obesity.