Advocacy and Action Makes a Difference!

In February, President Barack Obama proposed that an additional $10 billion over 10 years be invested in child nutrition programs via the federal Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, which is expected to come before Congress for reauthorization later this year. The bill supports all federal school meal and child nutrition efforts, such as the national school lunch and breakfast programs and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, more commonly known as WIC. Obama's proposal, many advocates say, is one piece of a perfect storm brewing in children's favor. NOW is the time to make the contact with your senator and representative. Encourage them to insist on finding the monies to fund the full ten billion in the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act. Ask them to make sure it is re-authorized this year, by Sept 30th. The major source of controversy will not be around the support of this, but in how this will be funded. The Secretary of Agriculture is willing to off set some of this amount from his own budget and is advocating for other departments to lend a hand in this very important matter.

For more information on advocacy for the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act go to:  http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Advocacy/Issues/US-Hunger-Poverty-and-Economic-Justice/US-Hunger-and-Poverty/Child-Nutrition-Reauthorization.aspx
http://www.bread.org/press/coverage/opinion/Renew-improve-Child-Nutrition-Act.html
http://www.frac.org/pdf/frac101_child_wic_actprimer.pdf.

When I got this notice from brother and sister bishops, I called my senators and congressional representative. I hope you will too!

Summer Food Programs

Some of our Upstate New York congregations are already serving as summer feeding sites for the Summer Food Service Program. You can find out more about this from http://www.summerfood.usda.gov/ or call 1.866.348.6479. During the school year 17.9 million children participate in the school lunch program. During the summer, 2.2 million participate, but the need for these children hasn't changed. While it may be too late for your congregation to participate this summer, how about looking into it for summer 2011? Or if you're already involved, send us a story and a photo about your serving!

Rev. Marie C. Jerge
Bishop

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