(photo courtesy of barrysfreephotos.com)

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of California has won kudos from two nonprofit organization for adding $8.5 million to the state's budget to make school lunches healthier. The money is earmarked for "integrating fresh produce, whole grains, and other healthy choices into school meals". The Governor was heartily praised by Oldways Preservation Trust and the Whole Grains Council for his action.

Obesity prevention for both kids and adults is the Governor's overall goal, and healthy eating is a key part of his comprehensive health care reform proposal. This approach is a natural for California, since the state is the U.S. leader in agricultural production.

Former Whole Grains Council Chairman Mike Orlando, a member of a farm family that has been growing whole grain bulgur wheat in Fresno since 1935, praised the Governor. Said Orlando, "He makes me proud to be a Californian when he goes to bat on the importance of good food for kids."

Oldways is a widely respected, nonprofit, food issues advocacy group praised for translating the complex details of nutrition science into the familiar language of food. Oldways programs are focused on the simple triangle of principles: nutrition (health, science), tradition (pleasure, joy, history) and sustainability (environment, organic).

Oldways is helping people around the world discover and enjoy more whole grain foods through its Whole Grains Council. The Whole Grains Council is a consortium of industry, scientists and chefs working with Oldways to increase consumption of whole grains for better health.

To learn more about Oldways and the Whole Grain Council go to: Oldways Preservation Trust

To read a press release on the topic from Oldways Preservation Trust go to: California Governor Champions Whole Grains in School Budget

To read a previous post on healthy school lunches go to: Entrepreneurs Deliver Healthy School Lunches