WASHINGTON (AP) -- First lady Michelle Obama is urging Congress to pass legislation that calls for higher nutritional standards for school meals.

Mrs. Obama says the Child Nutrition Bill would require more fruits, vegetables and whole grains and less fat and salt in school lunches and breakfasts. And she says it would help eliminate junk food in vending machines.

In an op-ed essay appearing in Monday's edition of The Washington Post, the first lady says Americans "owe it to the children."

In encouraging Congress to pass the bill, she says "our prosperity depends on the health and vitality of the next generation."

The bill was approved by the House Education and Labor Committee last month, and a Senate committee has approved similar legislation.

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