This paper presents the Committee on Education and the Workforce's hearing on the costs associated with the recent reauthorization of federal child nutrition programs. Individuals typically think of costs in terms of dollars and cents; however, as is often the case with federal laws and regulations, there is an additional cost that can't be measured by any agency, bureaucrat or budget office. When it comes to the nation's schools, that additional cost comes in the form of already scarce resources directed away from the classroom and energy spent complying with federal mandates instead of providing children with the quality education they need to succeed in life. Members testifying before the Committee were: Honorable Richard L. Hanna, a Representative in Congress from the State of New York; Honorable Duncan Hunter, Chairman, Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education; and Honorable Dale E. Kildee, ranking member, Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education. Witnesses testifying before the committee were: Karen Castaneda, director of food service, Pennridge School District; Kenneth Hecht, California Food Policy Advocates; Barry Sackin, owner, B. Sackin and Associates; and Sally Spero, food services planning supervisor, San Diego Unified School District.