阅读理解。
Schools are still free to pass the potato. On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate voted to block a proposal (提议) by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) would have limited the amount of potatoes and other
starchy(富含淀粉的) vegetables served in schools. And those vegetables high in carbohydrates (碳水化合物) would also have been banned from school breakfast. The USDA had
wanted to make the changes to the federal school lunch program.
The Senate's amendment (修正案) blocks the USDA from putting any limits on amount of
servings of potatoes or other vegetables in school lunches. Senator Susan Collins of Maine, a
potato-growing state, supported amendment. "USDA's proposed rule would have put significant and
needless costs on our nation's school districts at a time when they can least afford it," Collins said.
Those in favor of potato limit say that children get enough potatoes already and should be encouraged
to try other vegetables. The centre for science in the Public Interest pushed for the
restrictions. "USDA's proposal was about helping kids to eat a very wide variety of vegetables, and I think that opinion has been lost in all this," said the Center's Margo Wo
otan, "Other vegetables have a hard time competing with potatoes."
The proposed change upset potato growers, who believed potatoes were being unfairly targeted.
Some schools have criticized the USDA's attempt to tell them exactly what foods they can or can't
serve. Critics say the USDA should focus on advising schools on how to prepare the potato instead.
Potatoes can be a good source of fiber. Many schools already prepare French fries with less
grease (油脂) and serve potatoes in healthier ways.
The USDA is expected to release a final list of guidelines for the federal school lunch program next
year. Senator Mark Udall of Colorado, another potato-growing state, also supported the amendment that blocked the potato limit. "This amendment seeks to ensure flexibility for schools to provide nutritious and
affordable school meals." he said.
1. What is the content of the proposal put forward by the USDA?
A. Reducing the amount of starch vegetables served in schools.
B. Reducing the amount of vegetables served in schools.
C. Supporting serving potatoes in school.
D. Stopping serving starchy vegetables in schools.
2. One reason for blocking the proposal is that_ .
A. the proposal will put needless costs on nation's school districts
B. children who get enough other vegetables for children
C. there aren't enough other vegetables for children
D. other vegetables will have a hard time competing with potatoes.
3. Who supports a potato limit according to the passage?
A. Susan Collins
B. Critics
C. Margo Wootan
D. Mark Udall
4. What's the main idea of the passage?
A. Food supplies in America affect students.
B. Potatoes served in school will be limited.
C. A project on the students' health is carried out.
D. A proposal is blocked by the U.S. Senate
