Rep. Stansbury Applauds Nearly $19 Million In Additional Federal School Meal Funding

Statement

Today, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01) announced that school meal programs, as well as child and adult day care providers in New Mexico will receive an estimated $18,990,000 in additional funding this school year through the Keep Kids Fed Act.

In June, Rep. Stansbury took to the House floor to urge her colleagues to prevent a "hunger cliff" facing students without the extension of federal school meal waivers. She later helped pass the Keep Kids Fed Act to ensure that schools can continue providing meals for students despite ongoing supply chain issues. The legislation allowed the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide additional assistance to child nutrition programs by reimbursing them at a higher rate as they continue to serve healthy meals.

"No child should have to wonder where their next meal is coming from. While we have made significant progress in our recovery from the pandemic, one in four children across New Mexico still face food insecurity," said Rep. Stansbury. "That's why I called on my House colleagues to pass the Keep Kids Fed Act, which will deliver nearly $19 million in additional federal assistance this year to ensure that schools across New Mexico can continue to provide students with the healthy food they need to learn and grow."

Under the bipartisan Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), Congress provided the USDA with key flexibilities to help child nutrition programs continue serving children during the COVID-19 pandemic. This relief helped feed hungry students during the school closures, virtual learning, and social distancing that disrupted traditional meal service. Without the Keep Kids Fed Act, important flexibilities provided under FFCRA would have expired on June 30, 2022.

Rep. Stansbury is a member of the bipartisan House Hunger Caucus and led efforts in the New Mexico State Legislature to eliminate school meal copays and convene the state's Hunger Task Force.

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