March 24, 2010
On March 17, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Blanche Lincoln released her “mark” for Child Nutrition Reauthorization, signaling the start of real action on this important federal legislation. Though bills have been introduced for a while, the first hearings will likely start next week, so now is the key time to take action and contact your members of Congress.
What did Chairman Lincoln’s draft legislation say?
The draft legislation included many great improvement that affect hungry people, including more meals for kids in afterschool programs, expansion of summer meal services, and funding to create new and more effective ways of serving children. The draft bill also includes $4.5 billion in new funding for child nutrition programs. This level of funding is a good start, but it does not fulfill President Obama’s request of $10 billion in new funding that would enable adequate and necessary improvement in child nutrition.
What is the next step?
The Senate Agriculture Committee will be the first to take up this legislation. The committee “mark-up” is when other Members of the Agriculture Committee can offer any changes or improvements to the draft legislation. The Senate Agriculture Committee Members will then vote on the bill. If the Committee passes the bill, it will move to the full Senate for a vote. Therefore, at this point, our Senators are the key players in the reauthorization process.
What should you do?
Contact your Senators to let them know you care about child nutrition and that $4.5 billion is not enough! In order for essential improvement to be made in federal child nutrition programs, there must be adequate funding and support.
Sample Message: “I believe every child should have access to nutritious meals. Please support Child Nutrition legislation that will improve the quality of meals for children, increase program access so more children can participate, and make programs easier for communities to provide. Lastly, please work toward $10 billion in new funding; $4.5 billion is not enough to provide the nourishment children need to succeed.”
Share this message with your US Senators now:
Senator Patty Murray: (866) 481-9186 or send an email online at: http://murray.senate.gov/email/index.cfm
Senator Maria Cantwell: (202) 224-3441 or send an email online at: http://cantwell.senate.gov/contact/
Reauthorization only happens every 5 years. Don’t miss your chance to speak up!
Questions? Want to be more involved in advocacy? Contact Maria Roselle via email or by calling (206) 545-6600, x3625
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Source: www.foodlifeline.org
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