November 1, 2016

Paige ONeil
1119 Jade Drive
Endwell, NY, 13760
pmoneil@m.marywood.edu
(607)349-9868

The Honorable Richard L. Hanna

House of Representatives
319 Cannon HOB, Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative Hanna,

I grew up in Endwell, New York and attended the Union Endicott School District from first to
twelfth grade. During my middle and high school years, it is fair to say that I was an overweight
individual due to poor eating habits and lack of exercise. I was desperate to overcome this
struggle, but did not know how until years later. In order to help others to become healthy
individuals, I became a Nutrition and Dietetics student at Marywood University in Scranton,
Pennsylvania. The most important thing I have learned through this educational process is that
early nutrition education in primary and secondary school are essential to overcome childhood
overweight and obesity rates.
Research has shown that one in six children/adolescents is either overweight or obese in
America. This number is increasing every day and is contributing to the growing number of adult
overweight and obesity rates. This type of lifestyle for children and adolescents may have a
major negative impact on their ability to socialize without fear of exclusion, participate in
physical activities, and have a positive mindset about themselves. Eventually, these unhealthy
habits may lead to more deadly health problems in the future, for example, heart disease.
I ask that you support the H.R.3800-Nutrition Education Act. In supporting this bill, students
participating in school lunch or breakfast programs will receive fifty hours worth of nutrition
education every year. This bill will not only increase the students knowledge of proper nutrition
but also will motivate those individuals who are experiencing the physical and mental limitations
of being overweight or obese to live a healthier lifestyle. I believe that in supporting this bill you
would positively impact the lives of countless students.
Sincerely,
Paige M. ONeil
1. State Representatives

New York State Local Representative (Endwell, 13760): Richard L. Hanna (Republican) and
Tom Reed (Republican)

New York Senators: Kirsten E. Gillibrand (Democrat) and Charles E. Schumer (Democrat)

2A. Summary of the Legislation

a. The H.R.3800-Nutrition Education Act

b. This bill states that students participating in school lunch and breakfast programs are to
receive 50 hours worth of nutrition education per year.

c. The sponsor of the bill is Representative Matt Cartwright and thirty three cosponsors including
Representatives Yvette Clark and Charles Rangel from NY, Robert Brady, Corrine Brown, and
Steve Cohen.

d. On October 22, 2015, the bill was introduced in House by the House of Representatives; this
action was considered an introduction and referral. On the same day the bill was referred to the
House Committee on Education and the Workforce by the House of Representatives; this action
was considered, again, an introduction and referral. On March 23, 2016, the bill was referred to
the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education by House
Education and the Workforce. This action was considered a committee consideration.

2B. Legislation Sponsored by State Representatives

Yes, New York representatives Yvette Clark and Charles Rangel support this bill.