Statement of CSPI Deputy Director of Federal Affairs Colin Schwartz

The House passage of the Build Back Better Act is great news for millions of children and parents who rely on the school meals program, and we urge the Senate to pass it without delay.

Even reduced in size, the Build Back Better Act expands access to free school meals to nearly 9 million more children and provides food assistance in the summer months to an additional 21 million children who receive free or reduced-price school meals. It also includes $250 million to help schools support healthier meals as well as $30 million to improve school kitchens. 

Would we have wanted an even bigger investment in the school meals program? Absolutely. But these school meal investments are critical to supporting children’s health and can help ensure millions more children have the nutrition they need to learn, grow, and thrive. 

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