AUSTIN, TX--Created from legislation (Senate Bill 474) Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr. authored last session, the meeting of the Joint Interim Committee on Nutrition and Health in Public Schools will meet to address the issues of nutrition, health and obesity and its related diseases among public school children. Rep. Jaime Capelo sponsored the bill in the House.

"This committee will afford us the opportunity to bring together nutrition and health experts, educators and parents to address the growing epidemic in Texas of childhood obesity and poor nutrition," said Sen. Lucio. "This crisis is a national problem, and I want Texas to lead the way in developing solutions that promote better health by teaching children to make wiser food and beverage choices."

Presentations at the hearing will include data on the health care and medical insurance costs projected for the future stemming from obesity-related diseases among children. The new nutrition policy for public schools will be discussed, as well as updates on diabetes among children and on the School Health Advisory Committees (SHACs). The committee is charged with:

1. determining the nutritional content and quality of foods and beverages served to public school children, including food service meals, a la carte foods, and competitive foods and food provided in vending machines;
2. evaluating the short-term and long-term financial, psychological, and physiological impact of obesity in public school children;
3. assessing the academic, emotional, and health value of a universal breakfast and lunch program by evaluating school children from school districts that provide each child a free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch;
4. evaluating school contracts relating to competitive food products and vending machines.

I.	CALL TO ORDER

II.	ROLL CALL

III.	ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR

IV.	COMMITTEE BUSINESS

	A. Opening Remarks by Chair
	B. Welcoming Remarks by Members
	C. Adoption of Committee Rules

V.	INVITED TESTIMONY ON INTERIM CHARGES

	Jose Montemayor, Commissioner - Texas Department of Insurance
	Robert Scott, Chief Deputy Commissioner - Texas Department of Education
	Barbara Keir, Director - Public Health, Nutrition and Education Division, Texas Department of Health
	John Perkins, Director -- Food and Nutrition Division, Texas Department of Agriculture
	Celia Hagert, Senior Policy Analyst - Center for Public Policy Priorities
	Mike Hill, Vice President for Prevention - American Cancer Society
	Dr. John Menchaca, Member, Health Professionals Advisory Committee -- Texas Council on Diabetes

VI.	OTHER BUSINESS

VII.	RECESS

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