“NO CHILD IN THE RICHEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD SHOULD FACE HUNGER” –Rep. Ilhan Omar
END U.S. CHILD HUNGER PERMANENTLY BY PASSING THE UNIVERSAL SCHOOL MEALS PROGRAM ACT
QUICK READ: The Universal School Meals Program Act of 2021 addresses US food insecurity by ensuring that all school children receive free meals regardless of income. It expands U.S. food programs and makes successful plans permanent.
TAKE ACTION NOW:
BACKGROUND
“In the richest country in the world,” stated Senator Bernie Sanders, “it is an outrage that millions of children struggle with hunger every day.”
The Universal School Meals Program Act ensures a quality education free of hunger for all US children regardless of income.
Last May, Senator Sanders introduced the Act to the Senate. No vote has been scheduled yet. The Act amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 while also building upon the success of the universal free lunch in Biden’s American Rescue Plan.
The goal is permanent relief to millions of food-insecure families in this country without incurring long-term meal debt, stigma, social service intervention, or onerous bureaucratic paperwork.
Additionally, the act strengthens local economies by incentivizing local food procurement. It combats long-lasting negative consequences of food hardship such as chronic health problems, classroom behavioral issues, and mental health conditions that in turn impact educational success, graduation rates, and future earnings.
Dozens of Members of Congress and hundreds of organizations already support the bill like Ron Wyden, Bernie Sanders, Kristen Gillibrand, Cory Booker, Elizabeth Warren, the American Federation of Teachers, the Children’s Defense Fund, and more too numerous to list.
Let’s improve the lives of U.S. families this holiday season. Call your representatives and tell them to pass this Act.
Happy Holidays!
ACTION One: Call the Senate.
Script for Oregon Senators
SEN. MERKLEY: Portland office: 503-326-3386 | D.C. office: 202-224-3753
My name is [--] and I'm a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
Every child deserves a quality education free of hunger. Pass the Universal School Meals Program Act.
SEN. WYDEN: Portland office: 503-326-7525 | D.C. office: 202-224-5244
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
Every child deserves a quality education free of hunger. Pass the Universal School Meals Program Act.
Script for Republican Senators
D.C switchboard: 202-224-3121
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], [state], [zip code].
Every child deserves a quality education free of hunger. Pass the Universal School Meals Program Act.
ACTION TWO: Call the House.
Script for Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01)
Oregon office: 503-469-6010 | DC office: 202-225-0855
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
Every child deserves a quality education free of hunger. Pass the Universal School Meals Program Act.
Script for Cliff Bentz (OR-02)
Medford office: 541-776-4646 | DC office: 202-225-6730
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
Every child deserves a quality education free of hunger. Pass the Universal School Meals Program Act.
Script for Earl Blumenauer (OR-03)
Oregon office: 503-231-2300 | DC office: 202-225-4811
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
Every child deserves a quality education free of hunger. Pass the Universal School Meals Program Act.
Script for Peter DeFazio (OR-04)
Eugene office: 541-465-6732 | DC office: 202-225-6416
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
Every child deserves a quality education free of hunger. Pass the Universal School Meals Program Act.
Script for Kurt Schrader (OR-05)
Salem office: 503-588-9100 | DC office: 202-225-5711
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
Every child deserves a quality education free of hunger. Pass the Universal School Meals Program Act.
