SANTA FE, March 27, 2023 — The American Heart Association issued the following statement from Page Pomo, MD, FAAP, American Heart Association’s New Mexico Statewide Advocacy Committee member and pediatrician at Farmington Community Health Center, following the signing of Senate Bill 4 into law by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham during the bill signing earlier today at Pinon Elementary School in Santa Fe. This law will ensure that more than 300,000 New Mexico public school students have access to free, nutritious meals.
“No child should go hungry. Who can think and learn when they are distracted by growling tummies? Now our children will be able to focus in the classroom and have access to the healthy meals they need to help them thrive.
“Children rely on their schools for a healthy breakfast and lunch. Providing healthy school meals for all students can remove financial burdens for families, help children who might be on the edge of eligibility access nutritious meals and prevent the stigma some students face in their school cafeterias.
“What we eat and drink matters to our heart and brain health and a healthy diet and lifestyle are keys to preventing children from developing diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.”
###
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook or Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries
Cyd King: M
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
