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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- U.S. Representative Dave Loebsack (D-Iowa Second Congressional District) paid a visit to James Elementary School in Ottumwa.

Loebsack spoke with Associate Superintendent Davis Eidahl and Principal Jay Green regarding his tour to promote child nutrition, and discuss legislation currently before Congress.

Congressman Loebsack spoke with KTVO regarding this legislation and its importance for families and communities. He also discussed one of his bills...the "Hunger Free Schools Act."

"Making certain that we get as many children who qualify for free or reduced school lunch or school breakfast into the program. Iowa does a really good job. We get almost all of our children included, but we have some who are still sort of falling between the cracks. And throughout America, there are a good number of these children who really should be in these programs, but they're not. So my legislation, obviously, is designed to make sure that we get all of these kids in there if possible," Representative Loebsack said.

He also spoke of the need to attack childhood obesity, citing First Lady Michelle Obama's efforts to address this problem.

"If we can make sure that our kids are healthier, we can do wonders for preventing chronic diseases in older age. That is obviously going to lower health care costs in this country, as well as in the long-term. It really begins at an early age and that's why I'm here today," Representative Loebsack said.

The Congressman took time out of his schedule to eat lunch with some of the kindergarteners.