March 31, 2010
COMMUNITY MEMBERS URGE LAWMAKERS TO MAKE CHILD NUTRITION A PRIORITY
NEARLY 1,000 PEOPLE "SIGN OFF" ON POSTCARDS TO PETITION FOR CHILD NUTRITION REAUTHORIZATION
SHORELINE, WA—(March 29, 2010) Community members petitioning for an end to child hunger presented US Congressman Jay Inslee with nearly 1,000 signed postcards at his district office in Shoreline. Each postcard had a simple message asking lawmakers to make child nutrition a priority. Collected at local churches, community events, and at Food Lifeline’s Volunteer Action Center in Shoreline, the postcards are from individuals requesting improvements to the federal child nutrition programs Food Lifeline, a local hunger relief organization which spearheaded the campaign, is specifically urging federal lawmakers to strengthen child nutrition programs to reach more children in a more efficient way, and with more nutritious foods.
The Child Nutrition Act governs policy and funding for the federal school and summer meal programs, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, commonly known as WIC. Every five years, the Act undergoes a reauthorization process. The Act expired in 2009 and is now in the process of being reauthorized by Congress. During the meeting, Congressman Inslee expressed his concern for the issue of child hunger in our communities and his support for programs that improve children’s access to healthy and nutritious meals.
Food Lifeline is the largest hunger relief organization in Washington and last year the organization provided 19 million meals to more than 675,000 people through its network of nearly 300 food banks, meal programs and shelters throughout Western Washington. These postcards were a part of regional campaign to support Child Nutrition Reauthorization. During the week of March 29, over 12,000 postcards will be delivered to lawmakers by concerned individuals in Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
About Food Lifeline
Food Lifeline is a local hunger relief organization, efficiently serving the Western Washington area by using 95% of revenue to directly feed hungry people. Last year the organization delivered 19 million meals to hungry people through its network of nearly 300 food banks, meal programs and shelters. Food Lifeline is also a member of the national organization, Feeding America. For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation, log onto www.foodlifeline.org or call 206-545-6600.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kelsey Beck
Food Lifeline Public Policy Manager
Direct: 206-931-5508
Thanks to your great work, Congressman Inslee has now signed on to the EASY Access bill to help more kids have access to community meals year-round.