Marks Hunger Awareness Day, Pushes Legislation Providing Meals for Children
WASHINGTON, DC- Today, Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR) announced that he is a cosponsor of two bills that will reduce hunger among the nation's poorest children. The initiatives include expanding eligibility and providing competitive grants for food programs, both crucial to combating Oregon's hunger rate, the highest in the nation.
"Hunger is an issue that can't be ignored or tolerated," said Smith. "It is in our power to solve this problem and now is the time to ensure that no one - especially our children - suffers from hunger."
The Summer Food Service Program Improvement Act (S. 1021) would make more children eligible for the Summer Food Service Program. Under the program, the federal government provides reimbursements and food commodities to local public and private nonprofit "service institutions" that run youth recreation programs, summer feeding projects, and camps.
The Child and Adult Care Food Program Act (S. 1022) would expand the Child and Adult Care Food Program through which public and private nonprofit child care centers provide meals to eligible children under the age of twelve.
"These programs prevent hunger in those who need good nutrition the most - growing children," said Smith. "No child should have to go to school hungry and these bills ensure that more children are being fed."
In addition, Smith sent a letter to the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Committee urging the passage of legislation to expand the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Fruit and Vegetable Pilot Program which provides fruit and vegetables to children in participating schools.
Smith is in the process of recruiting members for the Senate Hunger Caucus which will focus on raising awareness of the domestic hunger issue, funding priorities, and working on legislative initiatives.
