Action Alert: Hungry Kids Can't Wait
Update from FRAC:
"On August 31 USDA announced the extension of critical waivers which will allow the continued operation of Summer Food Service Program and Seamless Summer Option through December 31, 2020. While this extension – which had bipartisan support and advocacy on the national, state, and local level – is an important first step for ensuring access to meals in the fall, the nationwide waivers that have been granted for the National School Lunch Program and the Child and Adult Care Food Program are available through June 30, 2021. It is important that the Summer waivers are extended throughout the school year as well. More information will be available as guidance and waiver memos are posted on USDA’s website.”
Hungry Kids Can't Wait!
We need you to take action: Urge USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue to Extend Child Nutrition Waivers
Read more from the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC):
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue says he won't use his authority to extend the child nutrition waivers, which are desperately needed to ensure that children who rely on free and reduced-price school meals still get the nutrition they need while schools are shuttered or have schedules that include both remote and in-classroom learning. There is rare and sustained bi-partisan support for the waivers. National, state, and community-based organizations and elected officials on both sides of the aisle agree that we need to make sure all children, no matter where they live or learn, have access to healthy meals. (See letter from Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow and House Education and Labor Committee Chairman Bobby Scott, a letter from Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts and 19 other Senate Republicans, and a letter from House Education and Labor Committee Republican Leader Virginia Foxx and fellow Republicans.)
Email or tweet Secretary Sonny Perdue and USDA to let them know why the waivers are critically important.
Click-to-Tweet: @SecretarySonny & @USDANutrition: Hungry kids can’t wait. Please heed bipartisan call & use existing authority to extend waivers to ensure access to meals this school year. #DoRightFeedKids
Read more about the profound value of school meals from Beyond Hunger Executive Director Michele Zurakowski as published in Crain's Chicago Business.
