[ [link removed] ]Sign the petition to tell Republicans we won't allow them to take away
free school meals for kids!

Dear MoveOn member,

Urgent! A new proposal from Republicans in Congress aims to slash the free
school meals program! The much-needed federal aid expanding
the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the pandemic
expired earlier this year, despite worsening food insecurity and a rise in
hardship for millions of families.^1 Public schools offer free or
reduced-price lunches through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), a
federal program launched in 1946 to promote an equal opportunity for
education since hunger and food insecurity are linked to academic
performance. But now this 77-year-old program tackling child hunger and
promoting education is under attack. The new GOP proposal could have
devastating consequences, especially for children whose only consistent
meals are served in schools.

[ [link removed] ]Will you sign the petition to protect the free school meals program?

The new Republican proposal is targeting our country's most vulnerable
population: children in low-income areas. These heartless Republicans are
calling for the elimination of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)
from the NSLP. The CEP provides free breakfast and lunch to all children
in schools and districts of low-income areas without having parents jump
through hoops to submit lengthy applications to confirm eligibility, and
it provides relief for families who are living in poverty or on the border
of poverty.^2 Nearly 21% of schools and districts across the country
participate in CEP. Taking it away would negatively impact nearly 20
million children.^3

We must fight to save school lunches for our kids, and we need your
support. If enough parents and concerned people speak out, we can stop the
GOP plan to take away free meals from kids who need them. 

A nutritious meal is as essential to an education as books and school
supplies. [ [link removed] ]Will you join me in this crucial fight for children's right
to access free meals at school?

We can't let Congress take away free school meals. Sign the petition to
demand that every child has access to free meals in school.

[4]Sign the petition

Studies show that nutrition affects learning through physical development,
cognition, and behavior.^4 A well-balanced meal can make a difference in
our children’s education and their future. States like Colorado, Maine,
Minnesota, New Mexico, Vermont, and California recognize that and have
recently passed laws to give all kids free school meals.^5 Policies like
this are a game changer for stopping childhood hunger and helping kids
learn better—a win-win!

But Republicans, who boast about their family values, have made it clear
that banning universal meals for children is a core part of their 2024
agenda. They are seeking to undermine the progress that states have made
to keep children fed and education accessible. 

[ [link removed] ]Children shouldn't have to worry about where their next meal will come
from. We must join together to protect our children and ensure they have
access to nutritious meals. Let's show our representatives that families
across the country won't stand for more cuts to the school meals program.

Thanks for all you do.

[ [link removed] ]Click here to add your name to this petition, and then pass it along to
your friends.

Thanks!

–Allison Johnson, Parents Together

Sources:

1. “The end of a pandemic-era boost to SNAP benefits is compounding the
burden low-income households already face,” NBC News, February 3, 2023
[ [link removed] ][link removed]

2. “Republicans Declare Banning Universal Free School Meals a 2024
Priority,” The New Republic, June 15, 2023
[ [link removed] ][link removed]

3. “More high-poverty schools tap into federal policies to serve free
meals,” K-12 Dive, June 1, 2023
[ [link removed] ][link removed]

4. “Feeding Young Minds: The Importance of School Lunches,” The New York
Times, June 5, 2017
[ [link removed] ][link removed]

5. “Republicans Declare Banning Universal Free School Meals a 2024
Priority,” The New Republic, June 15, 2023
[ [link removed] ][link removed]

You're receiving this petition because we thought it might interest you.
It was created on MoveOn.org, where anyone can start their own online
petitions. You can [ [link removed] ]start your own petition here.



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