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WASHINGTON, DC - Yesterday, Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) held a press conference at Forest Road School in Valley Stream to announce the introduction of H.R. 5128, the Bipartisan Feed Hungry Kids Act, which would ensure that schools serving high numbers of underserved students remain eligible to offer no-cost breakfast and lunch for students.
Watch the full video of Rep. Gillen's remarks here.
"As a mother, the thought of any child going hungry in school is devastating," said Congresswoman Laura Gillen (D-NY-04). "That's why I am introducing the bipartisan Feed Hungry Kids Act with my Republican colleague, David Valadao from California, a commonsense, bipartisan bill to protect the 2023 expansion of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), a federal program which has helped Valley Stream and more than 17,000 other schools across America ensure that they can provide meals at no cost to all of their students."
"Every child deserves consistent, healthy meals-no matter their family's financial circumstances," said Congressman David Valadao (R-CA-21). "Lowering the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) participation threshold has given thousands of Central Valley students access to free breakfast and lunch, and it's time to make this change permanent. Kids should be focused on learning, not worrying about when they'll get their next meal, and I'm happy to join this bipartisan effort to support our students."
Rep. Gillen was joined at the press conference announcing the introduction of H.R. 5128 by Valley Stream District 30 Superintendent Roxanne Garcia-France and Island Harvest Food Bank Director of Government Relations Gregory May.
"The Feed Hungry Kids Act supports students' wellbeing and healthy growth," said Superintendent Roxanne Garcia-France. "No child should walk through school doors hungry. The Feed Hungry Kids Act fuels more than meals, it fuels futures. I want to thank Congresswoman Gillen for advocating for Valley Stream District 30 and Nassau County."
"September is Hunger Action Month," said Gregory May, Director of Government Relations for Island Harvest. "Island Harvest wants to thank Congresswoman Gillen for introducing the Feed Hungry Kids Act which is going to protect access to CEP. There are than 244,000 Long Islanders facing food insecurity and this important bill is going to make sure that our kids are fed."
The bipartisan Feed Hungry Kids Act would codify the 2023 policy expanding access to free school meals into law, ensuring that CEP remains available for students in New York and across the country. With this bipartisan legislation, CEP schools will not have to worry that they will remain eligible for this program and be able to keep students fed.
This bipartisan legislation is endorsed by the National Education Association, the American Federation of Teachers, the School Nutrition Association, and by Island Harvest and LI Cares, two of the major food banks serving Long Island residents.
The full text of the legislation can be found here.
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