Statement attributable to Diana Aviv, CEO of Feeding America:
“Feeding America is deeply disappointed that Congress did not pass a critical Child Nutrition Reauthorization bill during the 114th session. After two years of hearings, drafts, and negotiations, Congress was still unable to come together to send a strong message that they are serious about combating hunger. They have missed the opportunity to help the 13 million children across this country when they are most vulnerable — during the summer months when school meals are not available for kids.
“For millions of children across the country, summer is the hardest time of the year. The summer meal program reaches only a fraction of children who rely on food assistance during the school year.
“While the Feeding America network of 200 food banks and the 60,000 food pantries and meal programs they serve across the country play a vital role in connecting children with access to food in the summer, they cannot reach all of the children in need without Congressional help.
“Failure to pass a child nutrition reauthorization bill has a real impact on low-income children facing hunger and the work of communities across the country that are working to ensure every child has the nutrition he or she needs to grow, learn, and thrive.
“We hope the next Congress will protect and strengthen important child nutrition programs and put the interests of people most in need, especially children, first.”
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About Feeding America
Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, we provide meals to more than 40 million people each year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.