Statement attributed to Vince Hall, Chief Government Relations Officer at Feeding America
“As the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization, Feeding America applauds the inclusion of investments to help end child hunger in the Build Back Better framework. The White House proposal includes funding for the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) program, which provides grocery cards to families with children eligible for free and reduced-price schools meals to purchase food during the summer, helping 29 million children, and an expansion of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which will expand free schools meals to nearly nine million additional children. It also continues the recent expansion of the Child Tax Credit (CTC) that makes its full value available to the families of 27 million children who previously earned too little to receive the full benefit. These provisions will help advance the needs of children facing hunger – particularly in communities of color who suffer disproportionately from hunger.
“The pandemic has exacerbated child hunger in our country. In 2020, 15 percent of households with children often did not know where their next meal would come from. These families were nearly two times more likely to face hunger than households without children. The Feeding America nationwide network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs have been working overtime to help ensure children in need and their families do not go to bed hungry. However, these vital federal investments are necessary to truly tackle child hunger in our communities. While we are grateful for existing short-term investments in hunger-fighting programs, we know hunger is not a short-term problem. The White House proposal provides a meaningful step toward sustained, long-term solutions to helping vulnerable families have enough to eat.
“Feeding America looks forward to continuing to work with the administration and Congress to advance programs and policies that help ensure no child has to face the devastating impacts of hunger.”
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About Feeding America
Rooted in the voices of neighbors facing hunger, Feeding America unites the country ensuring everyone has access to food and a thriving future. We support tens of millions of people as part of a nationwide network of 250+ food banks, 20+ statewide food bank associations, 10+ regional co-ops and 60,000+ agency partners, food pantries and meal programs. Powered by leaders and volunteers embedded in local communities, we are one of the nation’s most effective food distribution systems driving immediate impact today—and a catalyst for long-term change through advocating for legislation that improves food security and work to address its factors. We partner with people experiencing food insecurity, policymakers, organizations and supporters united with the unwavering commitment to provide nourishing food and work to end hunger at its roots so everyone can live fuller, healthier lives. Visit FeedingAmerica.org to learn more.