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Published: 12/02/2021
One out of six children lacks consistent access to the food needed for fueling their bodies and minds. Child nutrition programs are important in fighting child hunger.
When students participate in school meals programs, their behavior, comprehension, and attendance improve. The meals they receive at home are just as important, and that’s why the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a lifeline for families struggling with food insecurity. Nutritious meals prepare children for learning and shape their food choices and health outcomes as adults.
Help students get the healthy meals they need. Ask Congress to fund free school meals for all students, hands-on training and professional development for school food-service staff, and up-to-date equipment for school kitchens, and to protect and strengthen SNAP—our nation’s most effective anti-hunger program.
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Looking for more ways to take action?
Bills in Congress
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Support
HR 1510 Improving Access to Nutrition Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on 03/09/2023
A bill that seeks to lift the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program’s three-month limit for able-bodied adults without dependents. The change would end punishment of unemployed and underemployed people for failure to document sufficient work hours each month.
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Support
HR 6613 Keeping School Meals Flexible Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on 02/04/2022
This bill extends authority for the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to waive certain requirements for the school meal programs to address COVID-19.
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Support
S 1831 Stop Child Hunger Act of 2021 www.congress.gov
Introduced on 05/26/2021
A bill to establish a permanent, nationwide electronic benefits transfer (EBT) program for children during school breaks and closures.
Letters & Testimony
NEA speaks up for the rights of students. Browse recent messages to Congressional leadership, and add your voice.
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NEA Comments for Senate Agriculture Committee Hearing on Farm Bill
Submitted on 02/15/2023
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NEA Urges Congress to VOTE YES on final FY2023 funding bill
Submitted on 12/20/2022
Our History of Fighting for Child Nutrition
1946
School Lunch Program Esablished
President Truman signs the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, providing low-cost or free school lunch meals to qualified students through subsidies to schools.
1966
School Meals now Include Breakfast
President Johnson signs the Child Nutrition Act, building on the National School Lunch Act and creating the School Breakfast Program.
1998
Expanded the Federal Subsidies
President Clinton signs the William Goodling Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act, extending authorizations for child nutrition programs.
2004
Tackling Nutrition and Physical Activity
President George W. Bush signs the Child Nutrition and Women Infants and Children Reauthorization Act of 2004, which requires school districts with federally funded school meal programs to have policies addressing nutrition and physical activity.
2010
Making School Meals Healthier, More Available
President Obama signs the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act, which funds child nutrition programs, sets new nutrition standards for schools, and creates the Community Eligibility Provision, allowing all students in certain high-poverty schools to eat meals at no charge.
We're speaking up for our students and public schools. Visit our Action Center to find out what you can do.
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When we act together and lift our voices together in unison, we can improve the lives of children.
