06 Mar -Hunger solutions advancing in state Legislature
On the first day of school breakfast week, the New Jersey Legislature took another step toward ensuring that all children begin their school day with a healthy morning meal.
The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee approved S-1894, which would require all high-poverty schools to serve breakfast in a way that reaches at least 70 percent of low-income students.
The committee recognized that this common-sense proposal does not cost state taxpayers any money and, instead, reclaims more federal dollars to feed hungry New Jersey children.
What a great way to kick off school breakfast week!
Our sincere thanks to Senator Sarlo, committee chair, and all the Committee Members who voted in favor of this measure.
The bill is set to be heard in the Assembly Education Committee next Monday, March 12, at 10 a.m. We encourage all advocates to join us in support of school breakfast and to let our lawmakers know that fighting childhood hunger must be a top priority.
Can’t make the trip to Trenton? Just email Nancy Parello at nancy@parellocomm.com and we will submit a slip in support on behalf of your organization.
Read NJAHC’s new report: New Jersey School Breakfast Story.
More good news…
The Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee yesterday approved S-839,which would restore “heat-and-eat” enabling low-income New Jersey residents who receive energy assistance to also receive more food aid through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
This has been a top legislative priority for the New Jersey Anti-Hunger Coalition and will bring millions more in federal dollars to fight hunger in New Jersey. Thanks to Senators Joseph Vitale and Shirley Turner for sponsoring this critical measure.
Summer meals also got a boost with the Senate Budget Committee’s passage of S-1897,which would require school districts with at least 50 percent low- income children to participate in the federal summer meals program, if no other sponsor is operating within their school district.
We’ll keep you posted on progress as we continue to advance these significant hunger solutions in the Garden State.