Statement Attributed to Vince Hall, Chief Government Relations Officer
“As the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization, we are reminded every day that the long-term economic impacts of the pandemic are not over. That’s why we are asking Congress to extend child nutrition waiver authority through at least the end of the next school year.
“Originally granted as part of the pandemic response to ensure access to meals for children in need during the school year and in the summertime, the child nutrition waivers remain essential to addressing child food insecurity, particularly amid supply chain disruptions. Without action by Congress, these critical waivers will expire at the end of June, in the middle of summer.
“As it stands, schools and communities are in a state of limbo. As they work to provide food for children daily, they need continued flexibilities to safely plan for and offer summer meal programs and nutrition assistance during the next school year. Congress can and should provide these schools and community providers with peace of mind by extending waiver authority in upcoming legislation.
“For millions of school children whose lives and educations have been impacted by the pandemic, school meals are often their only reliable nutrition source. These waivers offer stability, predictability, and an assurance that children will get the meals they need any time of the year.”
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About Feeding America
Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of more than 200 food banks, 21 statewide food bank associations, and over 60,000 partner agencies, food pantries and meal programs, we helped provide 5.3 billion meals to tens of millions of people in need last year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; brings attention to the social and systemic barriers that contribute to food insecurity in our nation; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on X.com.