Urge Congress to Support $1 Billion in Additional Funding to End Childhood Hunger

In Washington, DC, Congress is currently negotiating the details of the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act. The Child Nutrition Act supports a number of valuable programs including: the school lunch program, school breakfast program, supplemental nutrition for women, infants and children (WIC) and the fresh fruit and vegetable program which provides fresh fruit and vegetable snacks to children during the school day.

Congress has a unique opportunity in the upcoming reauthorization of the child nutrition programs to improve access, meal quality and nutrition for millions of children, particularly those in low-income communities. Experts believe that a well balanced feeding and nutrition program can make a significant difference in a child's life — improving their health, education, sense of security and, in the end, their future.

The Jewish Federation and our national partner the Jewish Council for Public Affairs urges Congress to support a robust Child Nutrition Reauthorization Bill with at least $1 billion per year in additional funding, for the next five years. In addition, we are asking them to remove barriers to access and participation for underserved children and communities. Significant new investments in these programs would be a strong down payment on President Obama's goal to eliminate child hunger in the United States by 2015.

Please take a moment to ask your Congressperson and Senators Murray and Cantwell to support strong investments in ending child hunger in the United States.