WASHINGTON – As we mark Hunger Action Month and continue the fight against childhood hunger, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) led the introduction of the School Hunger Elimination Act. This legislation would directly certify all school-age students receiving Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
“For many students, school is the only place where they receive a healthy meal. Direct certification is a common-sense approach to connect eligible children to essential nutrition programs without families having to worry about undue administrative barriers. Throughout my career as an educator and legislator, I have sought ways to improve food access, especially for vulnerable communities. The School Hunger Elimination Act is another key step that can be taken to end child hunger in the United States,” said Congresswoman Hayes. “Hungry kids do not learn. When we support the nutritional needs of students, we can ensure they have the opportunity to achieve and grow academically.”
Nearly one in five children in the United States live in households without consistent access to adequate nutrition. According to the School Nutrition Association, the NSLP helps over 95,000 public schools, nonprofit private schools, and residential childcare institutions serve school lunches to over 28 million students each school day. Of those, 19 million students receive free lunches and over 1 million purchase lunch at a reduced price.
Direct NSLP certification would automatically certify income-eligible students to receive free or reduced-price school meals without an application based on family participation in other assistance programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This would ensure more students who would benefit from and otherwise qualify for free or reduced-price school meals are eligible to receive school-based food assistance while reducing administrative costs.
The School Hunger Elimination Act is endorsed by the National Education Association, School Nutrition Association, Food Research Action Center, and End Hunger CT!.
"Streamlining the certification process and expanding eligibility for free and reduced-price meals, the School Hunger Elimination Act of 2024 is a critical step toward ensuring that no child goes hungry in our schools. End Hunger Connecticut! commends Congresswoman Hayes for continuing to demonstrate her dedication to ensuring our nation’s students have equitable access to the nutrition they need to thrive. This bill represents a significant commitment to ending food insecurity and fostering a healthier, more equitable future for all students,” said Julieth Callejas, End Hunger CT! Executive Director.
In the Senate, the School Hunger Elimination Act is included in S. 4525, introduced by Sen. Bob Casey (PA) and Sen. John Fetterman (PA).
Since her time as a teacher, Congresswoman Hayes has been a staunch advocate for expanding access to healthy meals. The Student Hunger Elimination Act is the latest proposal by Congresswoman Hayes to expand school meal access and promote comprehensive nutrition in schools across America.