Newman, Adams and Trone Introduce The Emergency Child and Adult Nutrition Assistance Act of 2021

Press Release

Today, Representatives Marie Newman (IL-03), Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) and David Trone (MD-06) announced the introduction of the Emergency Child and Adult Nutrition Assistance Act of 2021. This legislation combines and extends both Rep. Adams's FEED the Children Act and Rep. Trone's Food and Nutrition Provider Emergency Support Act from the 116th Congress.

Specifically, the Emergency Child and Adult Nutrition Assistance Act of 2021 will extend COVID-19 relief for both the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and the school food authorities through the end of the 2021 school year to help cover their operational costs. This bill will also extend the availability of funds through September 2022. Additionally, each state that carries out a reimbursement program, will be required to submit a report on the use of such funds no later than March 2023. Text of the legislation is available here.

"No child or family in America should ever go hungry. For over a year now, countless school and adult nutrition professionals and program coordinators have been on the front lines of this pandemic, delivering meals to students during school closures and helping put food on the table for millions of American families. Far too many of these critical food programs now face unanticipated financial costs and decreased revenue as a result of the pandemic, threatening their capacity to provide equitable access to the communities who need them the most," said Congresswoman Newman. "Each and every one of us in Congress has a fundamental obligation to ensure these critical school nutrition and adult food programs receive the funding they need to keep our own communities healthy. Passing the Emergency Child and Adult Nutrition Assistance Act of 2021 would ensure we live up to that obligation."

"Especially during a pandemic, food programs provide a lifeline for students and families. Daily, nutritious school meals are critical for over 11 million food insecure children, while the Child and Adult Care Food Program serves more than 3 million children and 114,000 adults across the nation," said Congresswoman Adams. "However, as these programs work tirelessly to distribute food to as many students and families as possible, they face major funding shortfalls. Our bill, the Emergency Child and Adult Nutrition Assistance Act of 2021, addresses this crisis by ensuring that food programs have the resources they need to continue to weather the impacts of COVID-19."

"The pandemic has left too many wondering where they are going to get their next meal or how they are going to feed their children," said Congressman David Trone. "This emergency funding ensures that state and local organizations can provide meals to the most vulnerable students and families. I want to thank Representatives Adams and Newman for working with me on this legislation."

The Emergency Child and Adult Nutrition Assistance Act of 2021 has 7 original cosponsors in the House, including co-leads Representatives Marie Newman (IL-03) and David Trone (MD-06). Additional cosponsors include Representatives Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Juan Vargas (CA-51), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), and Jahana Hayes (CT-05).

Additionally, the Emergency Child and Adult Nutrition Assistance Act of 2021 is endorsed by numerous organizations, including the Center for Science in the Public Interest, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Urban School Food Alliance, American Heart Association, National Education Association, KinderCare Education, National CACFP Forum, and Share Our Strength.

"The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics advocates for policies that address health disparities and the disproportionate impact COVID-19 has had on minority communities who are at greater risk for diet-related diseases due to longstanding health inequities," said registered dietitian nutritionist Kevin L. Sauer, the Academy's 2021-2022 President. "As we navigate out of the pandemic and ensure the most vulnerable communities have access to nutritious meals, the Emergency Child and Adult Nutrition Assistance Act of 2021 will be instrumental in providing struggling CACFP and school meal programs the support they need to reestablish financial sustainability and to be a nutrition security safety net for millions of children. The Academy commends U.S. Reps. Alma Adams, Marie Newman and David Trone for championing this important bill."

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