Hunger Action Update

 2009 Child Nutrition Reauthorization

Every five years Congress “reauthorizes” federal Child Nutrition Programs. These programs include the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, the Commodity and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), the Summer Food Service Program, and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The Foodbank operates Summer Food Service lunch sites and also distributes snacks utilizing CACFP funding. We view all of the federal Child Nutrition Programs as critical to President Obama’s pledge to end child hunger in the U.S. by 2015.  Please advocate for improvements to these programs by contacting your elected officials in Congress.

STATE UPDATE

In January, the Governor released his proposed budget for 2010-11.  As many of us know, the state faces a large deficit, this year of about $20 billion.  The Governor again proposes to close the deficit with deep cuts and the possible elimination of safety net programs. With unemployment at record levels and the economic downturn affecting millions, these proposed cuts will hurt many L.A. County families and senior citizens struggling to make ends meet.

As the financial climate across the state remains troubling, the Foodbank expects demand for emergency food assistance to remain at very high levels throughout 2010. The Foodbank is working hard to maintain high levels of distribution and continue Food Stamp Outreach efforts to insure that people in our community get the assistance they need in this difficult time. Please urge your local legislators to protect social safety net programs on budget related votes.