Legislation passed during the recent state legislative session will make a world of difference for children facing hunger by expanding school meal programs this fall. Here’s how:
Senate Bill 2284…
- Increases eligibility to receive free school lunch and breakfast up to 200% of poverty (a family of four making up to $60,000 per year can now receive free school meals).
- An additional 2,000 North Dakota students are eligible to receive free school meals.
House Bill 1494…
- Ensures students can receive meals and participate in school activities regardless of a negative lunch balance.
- Protects the identity of students who have a negative lunch balance or who receive free school meals.
- Keeps students from performing tasks to pay off their meal debt.
2023 Farm Bill
Every five years, Congress crafts and passes a Farm Bill that ensures we have safe, affordable, and quality food as a nation. This year, we need your help in advocating for a strong 2023 Farm Bill that strengthens the federal nutrition programs while supporting our farmers and ranchers.
Why Does the Farm Bill Matter?
- Over 80% of the current Farm Bill is dedicated to federal nutrition assistance programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR). Each of these programs is helping to feed thousands of hungry North Dakotans.
- 18% of food distributed to our partner network of food pantries, shelters and soup kitchens is received through government programs.
Become a Hunger Advocate
Click HERE to become a hunger advocate now. Together, we will end hunger today, tomorrow and for good.