SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell  thanked lawmakers for helping pass several bills which were signed into law today, designed to combat the epidemic of childhood obesity:

"Studies show healthy, active, and well-nourished children are more likely to succeed in school. Senate Bills 12 and 965 take significant steps toward creating healthier eating habits for students. SB 12 restricts the amount of fat, sugar, and calories an individually sold food item can contain.  The companion measure SB 965 limits the type of beverages that can be sold on high school campuses during school hours to water, milk, juice, and electrolyte replacement drinks. I want to thank Senator Martha Escutia for authoring both measures that help make California's K-12 nutrition standards some of the toughest in the nation.

"I am also pleased that legislation providing $18 million for fruit and vegetables in school nutrition programs was signed today. This new investment will encourage California kids to eat more fruits and vegetables in school meal programs.  This measure will go a long way in helping California develop healthier eating habits not only in school but at home.  This is a great victory for the health of all California children."