CNR

Your help urgently needed on vital legislation

Part of the 30+ year mission of Second Harvest has been to be an advocate for common-sense regulations and legislation which promote the mission of providing meals to those among us least able to protect themselves.

We are urgently alerting you about possible changes to the Child Nutrition Reauthorization (CNR) Bill. This legislation covers all child nutrition programs such as school meals, after-school meals, summer feeding and the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program. Proposed changes to the CNR being contemplated by the House of Representatives right now could bring devastating impacts to multiple programs that serve the least among us.

The proposed change: Severely cutting child nutrition programs, piloting block granting the school meal program, and shifting eligibility requirements for programs.

Why this is harmful: The current funding structure requires strict adherence by states like Louisiana to fairly and fully implement the goals of childhood nutrition programs. Changing over to a method of block-grant funding would effectively cut funding and diminish safety measures in place to protect taxpayers.

Who will be hurt: Thousands of Louisiana children could find themselves without the aid of nutrition programs at the most vulnerable times in their lives. Millions of children across the country rely upon these programs as their only source of nutritious meals.

Why it doesn’t make financial sense: It is our duty to make sure that we do not lose access to programs and eligibility which make such significant impacts on the lives of children. Changes to CEP, block grant proposals, and changes to the verification process that would impact access to school meals, are not acceptable in a final CNR bill.

How can I help? Call your Representative TODAY!

Calling Congress is easy. Here’s how:

*Just dial our toll free number: 1-888-398-8702
*Listen to the pre-recorded message and enter your zip code when prompted.
*You will be connected to your Member of Congress.
*State that you are a constituent and give your name and the town you are calling from. Let the office know you are calling about Child Nutrition Reauthorization.

Once connected, deliver this message to your Representative or his staff member:

My name is ___________and I am a constituent and supporter of Second Harvest Food Bank, which serves South Louisiana. I am calling to ask the Representative to oppose any effort to fund any child nutrition program with block grants.

Thank you for your support of South Louisiana children and our mission to fight hunger across 23 parishes.