Long-awaited child nutrition legislation known as the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act unanimously passed the Senate in August before moving on to the House, where passage is also expected. National child nutrition programs were set to expire September 30.

Remarks Michael Jacobson, executive director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, “Put simply, [the bill] will get junk food out of, and put more healthy food into, America’s schools.”

The $4.5 billion, applied over the next decade, would enable school cafeterias to overhaul their menus and provide updated, healthier choices, supporters explain. News sources report that it would provide schools with their first increase in the costs of providing meals since 1973. The package would also establish new nutritional standards on all food offered on campuses——including items in vending machines.

FreshVending.com has proven that it’s possible to mechanically vend more than 400 natural and organic foods that meet school nutrition requirements and corporate wellness initiatives. Current offerings include 100 percent juices, smoothies, fruits and vegetables.