Three-day conference to provide parent leaders from across the country an in-depth look at National PTA’s public policy priorities and empower them to advocate for all children

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Feb. 7, 2014) — National PTA® is pleased to announce that U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will keynote the association’s 2014 Legislative Conference on Wednesday, March 12 during a luncheon at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Arlington, Va.

“Each year, the National PTA Legislative Conference brings together hundreds of parent leaders from across the country to discuss PTA’s public policy priorities and inspire and empower them to advocate and make a difference for the education, health and welfare of all children,” said Otha Thornton, National PTA President. “Secretary Vilsack and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are at the heart of our nation’s efforts to ensure all children have access to critical nutritious food options. We are honored to have Secretary Vilsack keynote this year’s conference.”

In 2010, Congress passed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, which directed the U.S. Department of Agriculture to improve the nation’s child nutrition programs. For the 2014-2015 school year, schools will be making updates to serve healthier foods to students during the school day, including in a la carte lines, vending machines and school stores.

PTA delegates adopted a resolution in 2004 supporting nutrition standards for all foods served to students. PTA members play an important role in helping schools implement improved meal offerings in their lunchroom.

The 2014 National PTA Legislative Conference will be held from March 11 through 13 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel. In addition to hearing from Secretary Vilsack and other speakers during the conference, attendees will participate in interactive workshops and skill-building trainings on a variety of topics, including juvenile justice and delinquency prevention, early childhood education and ESEA-NCLB reauthorization and family engagement. They also will meet with Congressional leaders to discuss key issues impacting our nation’s children.

For more information about the 2014 National PTA Legislative Conference, visit PTA.org/legcon.

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.