7.30.2014 Congresswoman Susan Davis of California’s 53rd Congressional District has introduced H.R. 5242, Stop Child Summer Hunger Act of 2014, a bill that would amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to establish a permanent, nationwide summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program for children. H.R. 5242 is companion legislation to a bill Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) introduced in the Senate.
In 2013, nearly two million of California’s most vulnerable kids fell into the summer nutrition gap. That is, over 80 percent of the state’s low-income children and youth who benefited from free or reduced-price lunches during the academic year missed out on such meals during the summer.
Summer meal sites require participants to congregate at a specific location during specific times of day in order to receive meals. This structure may not meet the nutritional needs of all low – income children and youth, particularly those who face transportation issues or other barriers that impede their access to summer meal sites. Recent demonstration projects have assessed the effects of providing summer nutrition assistance to low – income households with children through EBT. Given the success of the demonstration projects in five states, this model of providing summer nutrition assistance (beyond congregate summer meals) is worthy of further investment.
Children need access to nutritious summer meals that combat hunger and food insecurity, support year-round learning, and help prevent obesity. CFPA applauds Congresswoman Davis for taking this important first step towards ensuring California’s kids have year-round access to healthy, affordable meals.
Learn more about Summer Nutrition. link
CFPA’s 2014 School’s Out… Who Ate? report. link
H.R. 5242 bill language. PDF
Questions? Contact Elyse Homel Vitale at 510.433.1122 ext. 206
