A r c h i v e d I n f o r m a t i o n

   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                        Contact: Rick Miller    June 8, 1994                                       (202) 401-2571

STATEMENT BY U.S. SECRETARY OF EDUCATION RICHARD RILEY ON THE SCHOOL MEALS INITIATIVE FOR HEALTHY CHILDREN

I have always believed that the old tradition about an apple for the teacher was incomplete. I subscribe to the two-apple theory -- an apple for the teacher and an apple in the bookbag. That is why I am extremely pleased by this new school meals initiative to make sure all our children are eating right.

For too long, the American diet has been based on a formula that is one part fat, one part convenience, and one part what we can afford. We are finally getting the message that we have to be more selective about how we eat; now we are making sure that our children learn that message too.

I have always felt that it is difficult for children to concentrate on learning when they are hungry or ill-fed. They may get sleepy, they may act up, but the last thing they really want to do is to concentrate on their ABC's. Children get smart by staying healthy and eating right so they have the energy to study and learn.

This initiative is not only important for our children, but also for our parents and families. More parents can be assured that when they send their children to school in the morning, their kids will get the nutrition they need to learn and grow.

Finally, I am pleased that this change will help us focus attention on our important first national education goal, which declares that all children should start school "ready to learn." It doesn't make sense to talk about setting national goals, about raising the bar academically, or about improvement in math and science, and, at the same time, neglect our children's nutrition in school. Nutrition is also a standard -- and an important one. It all goes together.