South OC Times

U.S. Representatives Young Kim, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, Virginia Foxx, and Adam Gray have introduced the Cutting Red Tape on Child Care Providers Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to remove state-imposed barriers that restrict the preparation of fresh fruits and vegetables in childcare facilities.

In many states, regulations allow opening a bag of chips but prohibit peeling a banana for children in childcare settings. These restrictions hinder providers' ability to support children's nutrition, local farmers, and national health initiatives.

"Regulations should never stand in the way of kids accessing the nutritious meals they need to grow and thrive," stated Rep. Kim. "The Cutting Red Tape on Child Care Providers Act will empower childcare providers to better provide for children without fear of unnecessary penalties."

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez added, "Byzantine regulations are negatively impacting the quality of nutrition our kids receive – and the status quo makes it easier to open a bag of chips than to peel and slice a banana." She emphasized that this legislation is essential for providing regulatory clarity and reducing compliance costs for small businesses.

Rep. Foxx highlighted the importance of flexibility for parents in providing nutritious meals from home: "This bill cuts through the bureaucracy and gives parents the flexibility to bring foods from home that meet the nutrition needs of their child."

Rep. Gray noted his region's agricultural significance: "As the representative for the San Joaquin Valley, I know how important fresh fruits and vegetables are to our kids’ growth." He expressed support for encouraging healthy eating among children through this bill.

The full text of the bill is available online.