U.S (JUST STRATEGY) : STUDENTS do better with FOOD in their bellies.

 

 

 

Friend,    In a country as wealthy as the United States, it is an outrage that millions of children go hungry every day. Access to adequate nutrition is essential for the healthy development and growth of children, but unfortunately, many children across the United States face food insecurity, with many families struggling to provide regular meals for their children due to financial hardship. Currently, schools must collect individual applications from students to determine their eligibility for free or reduced-price meals. This process can be stigmatizing and time-consuming for families, and some eligible students may not receive meals due to administrative errors or lack of awareness. The Biden administration has proposed using the USDA's Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) to allow schools with large SNAP-enrolled student bodies to apply as a school, rather than forcing hungry students to apply individually. This proposal would lower the CEP threshold from 40% to 25%, making a significant step towards addressing the issue of childhood hunger and ensuring that all children have access to nutritious meals. By allowing more schools to apply for the CEP as a group, eligible students in the school will automatically receive free meals, reducing the administrative burden on families and school staff and eliminating the stigma associated with receiving free meals. Support the Department of Agriculture’s new proposed rule to lower the CEP threshold and help feed millions of hungry children in this country now. Sign and Send Hungry children cannot learn effectively, and their families often struggle with the paperwork necessary to access school meals. The CEP allows schools in low-income areas to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students, regardless of their family's income, and is a vital tool in ensuring that students receive the nutrition they need to succeed in school and beyond. Expanding the use of the CEP will make it easier for schools with large populations of SNAP-enrolled students to participate. This proposal is especially important because of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on families and children. The pandemic has left many of America’s poorest families struggling financially, making it difficult to provide regular meals for their children. The bottom line is that by using the CEP to allow schools with large SNAP-enrolled student bodies to apply as a school, the Biden administration is helping to ensure that all children have access to the food they need to thrive, regardless of their family's financial situation. This proposal is a significant step towards reducing childhood hunger and promoting health equity in education. It is essential that we continue to support programs like the CEP and invest in children's futures by providing them with the resources they need to succeed. Add your official comment by signing and sending your message to help hungry kids access free school meals now! Together, we can build a healthier and more equitable society for all. LeeAnn Hall Director, National Campaign for Justice. DONATE

  JUST STRATEGY, JUSTSTRATEGY.ORG.