As we all take precaution to protect ourselves and others from the spread of coronavirus, we can’t forget hungry kids.
Nearly 22 million low-income kids from communities across the country rely on the free and reduced-price meals they receive at school. For many, these meals may be the only nutritious food that they’ll receive on a given day.
With schools either closing or weighing the option to do so in districts nationwide, children may be left without that critical lifeline to healthy meals.
And that means there are real economic implications for families and communities across the country as businesses grapple with shuttering doors and family budgets stretch to ensure kids are getting the nutrition they need.
We want to do everything possible to ensure public safety and the well-being of kids. Federal nutrition programs like SNAP, school and out of school meals and WIC are the front line of defense.
That’s why at Share Our Strength, the nonprofit that runs the No Kid Hungry campaign, we’re advocating for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide flexibility in how kids access meals during this time and for Congress to make sure SNAP is maximized for struggling families.
Here’s what you can do to help:
- Get Informed: Remain vigilant and protect yourself, your family and your community by following the risk-assessment guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and travel guidelines from the U.S. State Department. You can also read our deeper dive into No Kid Hungry policy solutions and recommendations for schools and meal programs that can help communities meet the needs of low-income families and kids.
- Promote Solutions: We’ve submitted a letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue with our recommendations on how to feed hungry kids and keep people safe. Help us alert the USDA by sharing on your social channels.
- Stay With Us: Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest news on how you can help hungry kids during this time.
Together, we can make sure no child has to face a decision between staying healthy or staying nourished.