In this month's newsletter:
- Big Policy Win!
- Welcoming Dan Glickman: Our New Board Chair
- School Breakfast Week
- Hunger Hotline
- Summer EBT Update
- Advocacy Alert on the Farm Bill
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We have big news to share! Thanks to the important advocacy done by Hunger Free America and other anti-hunger groups, the final Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture Appropriations Act will fully fund WIC, by providing $7.03 billion for the program, a $1.03 billion increase over fiscal year 2023. This increase will ensure that all eligible participants - nearly 7 million women and children - can continue to receive essential nutrition assistance and support provided by the program!
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Introducing Our New Board Chair: Dan Glickman
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With a distinguished career spanning public service and leadership roles, including serving as the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and as a Congressman, Dan brings invaluable experience and a deep commitment to our mission.
Dan's appointment to Chair, after several years of serving on our Board, underscores our dedication to ending hunger in America and ensuring access to affordable, healthy food for all. His vision and expertise will guide us as we work towards this vital goal.
Please join us in congratulating Dan Glickman in his new role!
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Celebrating School Breakfast Week
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March 4-8 is School Breakfast Week, a time to spotlight the importance of school breakfast programs in fighting hunger. Join us in recognizing how these programs nourish students and empower them for success. Together, let's ensure no child starts their day hungry!
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School Breakfast Facts
- School breakfast participation is associated with lower rates of food insecurity and obesity.
- Kids who eat breakfast have increased test scores, memory, reading comprehension, and school participation. They also have reduced tardiness, absenteeism, and behavioral issues.
- In the US, 48% of kids receiving school lunch did not receive school breakfast in the 2021-2022 school year.
Source: FRAC
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If you or someone you know is in need of food assistance, please call our Hunger Hotline! Our representatives are available Monday-Friday 7AM - 10PM: 866-348-6479 (English) or 877-842-6273 (Spanish).
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Summer EBT is Here to Stay!
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Beginning in Summer 2024, families will receive $40 per month per eligible child – a total of $120 for the summer – on an EBT food benefit card. These benefits, combined with other federal nutrition programs including SNAP, WIC, and summer meal sites, help ensure children’s access to healthy food while school is out.
Currently, 35 states have applied, and been approved, for the 2024 Summer EBT program
If your state is not on the list, contact your governor and demand that your state state opt into Summer EBT in 2025!
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Advocacy Alert for the Farm Bill!
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The Farm Bill is a powerful tool in the fight against hunger. It includes the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as the Food Stamp program, with a budget of $147 billion this year. This amount is much larger than what charities contribute to addressing hunger. The bill authorizes major hunger-fighting programs, excluding school meals and WIC for pregnant people and young children. It also supports programs helping low-income individuals get more fresh produce at farmers markets. The Farm Bill is crucial in ending hunger in the U.S. and making sure everyone can access healthy foods like fruits and vegetables.
Learn more about the importance of the Farm Bill and HFA's recommendations for this year's bill HERE. |
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At Hunger Free America, we are so grateful for all of the support you've given us. Help us continue our important work in the new year.
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