WASHINGTON (AP) -- Legislation to feed more lunches and dinners to hungry children at school is about to become law.

President Barack Obama will be accompanied by his wife, Michelle, as he signs the bill. The ceremony is scheduled to take place Monday at a District of Columbia elementary school.

The $4.5 billion bill would expand free school meals for the low-income students and give the government the power to make them healthier. The government will decide what kinds of foods may be sold in vending machines, lunch lines and fundraisers during school hours.

Supporters say the law is needed to stem rising health care costs because of growing childhood obesity and also to feed more hungry children in tough economic times. Some Republicans contend the measure is too expensive and an example of government overreach.

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