July 20, 2010
One Step Closer to Strong Child Nutrition Programs!
Thanks to all of your hard work and strong voices of support, we are one step closer to passing vital federal child nutrition programs! Just last week, the House Education and Labor Committee approved Child Nutrition bill H.R. 5504 which would make strong strides against child hunger.
The bill would maintain and strengthen existing programs in many ways, including the following:
- Expand after-school suppers nationwide
- Strengthen summer food programs and make it easier for community organizations like food banks to operate them
- Make $8 billion in new investments in child nutrition over the next 10 years
Our work is not done yet!
The current Child Nutrition Act expires on September 30! Therefore, it is essential that this legislation passes before then. Our representatives must continue to hear that this is an important issue to their constituents. Your Congressman’s office will be counting how many calls and emails they receive on this issue. If they receive enough calls, we can ensure that Child Nutrition Reauthorization is put to the top of the list.
Call now!
Your federal representatives will be working until the end of July before a long recess begins in August. There we must work on passing this legislation now!
We need you to participate in the “National Call-In” days that are being hosted this Wednesday, July 21 and Thursday, July 22. Simply contact your federal representative via the Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121. Just ask the operator for your Congressman’s office to leave a message. If you are unsure who your Representative is, simply ask the operator and they can locate your district for you.
Sample Message: “My name is ________ and I care deeply about child nutrition. Please make this a priority and pass H.R. 5504 to ensure that vital child nutrition programs are strengthened.”
Do you have questions, or want to be more involved in advocacy? Contact Maria Roselle via email or by calling 206-432-3625.