In our Food Bank’s 34-county service area, more than 300,000 children are eligible for free and reduced-priced meals at school. When the COVID-19 crisis began, it was these kids and teens that our Programs team here at the Food Bank thought about first: what happens for them and their families if schools close, and after-school and summer programs that offer food can’t operate?
Thankfully, waivers for school meals and nutrition programs were extended quickly- ensuring kids and families had easier access to that food during an incredibly uncertain time. The waivers made school meals free for all kids, allowed meals to be picked up by parents or other caregivers, did not require a congregate setting, and made it ok to pick up multiple meals at one time.
The outcome of these waivers was incredible. Kids continued to receive nutritious food and families had a sense of stability despite employment changes and routines being upended. We heard from so many program partners that access to these meals was life changing for the neighbors they were serving. The Carolina Hunger Initiative reported that the waivers helped provide SIX TIMES the number of meals to children and teens in 2020 than 2019. The Food Bank was able to provide more than 46,000 meals.
But now, the child nutrition waiver extension is in trouble. Without an extension, USDA cannot provide any child nutrition COVID-related waivers past June 30, 2022. This issue has bipartisan support and is critically needed for school meal programs and summer meal service providers all over North Carolina.
The Food Bank and our partners across the state are advocating hard for an extension of these waivers, and you can help! Using this tool from Feeding America, you can contact your elected officials and urge them not to leave meals for kids in limbo.
With gratitude for your support and advocacy,
Dana Ellis
Director of Programs
