Feeding America today issued the following statement attributable to CEO Diana Aviv.
“Feeding America strongly opposes The Improving Child Nutrition and Education Act of 2016, which passed the House Education and Workforce Committee today. We are deeply disappointed that at a time when more than 15 million children are struggling with food insecurity, the House Committee voted to reduce access to school meals rather than making the critical investment necessary for our nation’s future. With only 18 percent of kids receiving free or reduced price meals getting meals in the summer, we have an opportunity and an obligation to strengthen these critical programs to ensure that every child in America can reach his or her full potential.
“Given the fact that school lunch and breakfast provide a critical lifeline to low-income children whose families continue to struggle in the wake of the great recession, it is inconceivable that Committee members chose at the 11th hour to add a harmful proposal to block grant the school meal programs in three states. This provision would erode the long-standing federal commitment to ensuring all children, whether they live in Maine or Montana, have the nutrition they need to grow and thrive and would leave programs unable to respond to changes in need in those three states.
“We urge Congress to come together and pass a strong, bipartisan child nutrition reauthorization that ensures that all children have access to healthy meals they need at home, at school, and during out-of-school times.”
# # #
Contact
Please contact one of our media representatives or call 800-771-2303
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.