House to vote on bill to improve school lunches

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Greasy foods and sugary soft drinks could disappear from schools as Congress is poised to approve a $4.5 billion child nutrition bill.

It would be a victory for President Barack Obama -- along with his wife, Michelle, who have promoted the bill to improve lunches in schools and expand feeding programs for low-income students.

Many Democrats signaled opposition in September because it is partially paid for with cuts in future funding for food stamps. But several of them have now said they will support the bill after the Republican victories in the November elections.

The White House has said it will find other ways to restore the food stamp cuts.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., called passing the bill the "right, moral thing for us to do."

It is unclear if Republicans will try to stall the legislation.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)