Obama’s plan to give free lunches to millions more kids

[babylonsister]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/01/27/obama-administration-announces-plans-to-increase-access-to-school-meal-programs/?tid=sm_fb

Obama’s plan to give free lunches to millions more kids

By Roberto A. Ferdman January 27 at 12:01 AM


The Obama administration will announce new plans Wednesday to launch a pilot program aimed at increasing poor children's access to food through the National School Lunch Program.

The pilot program will allow participating states to use Medicaid data to automatically certify students for free and reduced-price school lunches. Currently, families have to submit an application — a laborious process for parents and a costly one for schools — even when they have already proven that they are income-eligible through their participation in other government assistance programs.

“We know that the program works, and we want to expand it,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Many children who are eligible for free and reduced lunch meals aren't enrolled in the program — this is going to help ensure that they receive the benefits, too.”

snip//

The move is part of an ongoing effort by the Obama administration to alleviate hunger and food insecurity — which affects nearly 1 out of every 7 American households and, as a result, roughly 15 million children in the United States — and promote healthier eating habits.

more...

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/01/27/obama-administration-announces-plans-to-increase-access-to-school-meal-programs/?tid=sm_fb