Statement Attributed to Kate Leone, Chief Government Relations Officer
“Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief and food rescue organization, commends the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for extending a trio of nationwide program waivers that will help ensure children continue to receive meals safely during the coronavirus crisis. As millions of children continue to miss out on school meals — one of few sources of nutrition for far too many children in this country — the waiver extensions are essential to removing unprecedented roadblocks to efforts that ensure children have enough to eat.
“While schools remained closed to promote social distancing and help stop the spread of the coronavirus across the country, our network of 200 member food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs have partnered with local communities to use flexibilities authorized by Congress and implemented by USDA to offset the loss of school meals. These flexibilities have been instrumental in designing innovative ways to ensure children have the nutrition they need to continue to learn and grow. With the USDA’s flexibility extensions, these partnerships and creative operations can continue into the summer — a time when millions of children are especially vulnerable to hunger.
“As the scope of the pandemic becomes clearer, we look forward to continuing to work with USDA and congressional leaders to ensure child hunger does not become an unavoidable consequence of COVID-19.”
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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.