HungerNetOhio #7.8: Child Nutrition Reauthorization Quandary

Email conversations about "ending hunger in Ohio through changing conditions which cause poverty"

ON	September 23, 2010
TO	Advocates for reducing hunger
FROM	Hunger Network in Ohio
ABOUT	Upset about offset

As early as tomorrow, congress could begin debating the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (S. 3307). It sets new nutritional standards and provides an additional $4.5 billion over the next decade for child nutrition programs, including healthier school meals. It would also expand the number of low-income children eligible for free or reduced-priced school meals.

However, lawmakers face a dilemma about whether it makes sense to stand and fight for principle to accept a compromise. The House now faces that choice on legislation to improve school nutrition. The House version, approved by committee, is undeniably better. It provides $7.5 billion for nutrition programs over the next decade, and it does not try to partly offset the cost by taking monies from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), better known as food stamp benefits.

Advocates of good and healthy nutrition within families continue to press House Members to abandon this approach and to pass now, or in the Lame Duck session, a good child nutrition bill that improves access to healthy food and doesn't cut the food stamp program.

SHORT CUT:
For those who insist, "JUST TELL ME WHAT TO DO!"

Call (1-877-425-4810) your Member of Congress (*) and urge them to pass a good child nutrition bill that improves access to healthy food and doesn't cut SNAP benefits.

LONG SUIT:
For those who plead, "GIVE ME MORE DETAILS"
The House may very well take up the Senate passed version of the Child Nutrition Reauthorization bill either by tomorrow or early next week. Members House of Representatives will be headed home for the primary elections and there is pressure to pass Child Nutrition Reauthorization. As there is no significant money this week or next coming out of the House Ways & Means Committee, House members are being urged to pass the Senate bill in its entirety, including the $2.2 billion in SNAP offsets. Any bill that takes food off the plates of families, individuals, seniors, and veterans at home in order to place food on the plates of children at school is unacceptable.

Every member of the Ohio delegation needs to hear that SNAP is our Nation's first line of defense against hunger and food insecurity. Any cuts to this program will lead to increases in hunger, food insecurity, and loss of economic revenue for the communities in which the SNAP dollars are spent. Children need access to healthy foods both at home and at school.

The Senate bill is far from perfect. Its nutrition standards would help combat childhood obesity and ensure that youngsters eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. The 6 cents-per-meal increase in reimbursements to schools is basically the same as the proposed House formula and means $300 million extra per year for schools.

It would be the first non-inflation-related increase in the reimbursement rate since 1973, but at the expense of removing those monies from the food stamp program. House leadership continues to poll Members on whether or not to move the Senate child nutrition bill, S. 3307 - including the $2.2 billion in cuts to future SNAP benefits - under an expedited House process that would not allow debate or amendments. This action could happen as early as Friday of this week.

What you can do to help: Contact your representative using the contact information provided below. Make calls to Members of Congress toll free via 1-877-425-4810.

1. Tell them the House needs to pass a strong child nutrition bill that increases access for low-income children to healthful food

2. Let them know that any cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are unacceptable

3. Forward this message to your network and encourage others to take action

PRIMARY REFERENCES AND LINKS

(*) To identify your personal congressional representative, check the House of Representatives web siteby putting in your zip code in the box at the upper left hand corner.

“House Members Struggling Over SNAP Cuts in CNR: Continue Calls Urging Members to Pass CNR Without SNAP Cuts!” Food Research and Action Center

“HUNGRY CHILDREN NEED YOUR HELP! TELL CONGRESS WE CAN'T CUT SNAP!” Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks. Lisa Hamler-Fuggit and Nora Nees

“Pass the Child Nutrition Bill by September 30th”. Bread for the World.