Updated May 28, 2004

Senate Poised to Take Up
Child Nutrition Reauthorization
TAKE ACTION

During the week of May 24th, child nutrition reauthorization legislation discussions continued among House and Senate staff and advocates. Time is of the essence as the Senate calendar is limited with numerous summer recess dates already set: Memorial Day recess now until June 1, Fourth of July recess June 26 - July 6, and August recess for six weeks beginning July 25.

Despite the short legislative calendar, prior to the June 30th deadline for reauthorization of some child nutrition provisions, the Senate is expected to take up its "Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act of 2004" (no bill number), which passed the Senate Agriculture Committee on May 19.

In a joint letter, FRAC and more than 20 national groups explained their support for the Senate Committee bill:

"We believe that this legislation strikes the right balance between needed program improvements while maintaining the integrity of the programs. The draft legislation includes many of our joint prioirities, especially increasing access to programs for low-income children; enhancing the nutritional quality of meals and improving nutrition education; and providing additional resources to vulnerable populations, such as homeless, runaway and migrant children."

Click here for a copy of the legislation, amendments that passed in committee, and an extensive bill summary.

Both Senate and House child nutrition bills permanently reauthorize three child nutrition provisions scheduled to expire on June 30, 2004:

1) The 14-state "Lugar" summer food pilots;

2) The eligibility of for-profit child care centers for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) if 25% of children are eligible for free or reduced price meals; and

3) The exclusion of privatized military housing from income when determining eligibility for school meals.

In addition, the Senate bill:

• Adds six new "Lugar" pilot states (CO, MS, LA, MI, OR, OH) and opens participation to private, non-profit sponsors in all pilot states;
• Phases in mandatory direct certification for free or reduced price meals for food stamp households;
• Provides for a CACFP pilot that expands area eligibility for family child care in rural areas by decreasing the threshold of free and reduced price meals from 50 to 40 percent;
• Establishes a three-year summer food rural transportation pilot for 60 sponsors in five states;
• Continues and expands the current fresh fruit and vegetable pilots (IN, IA, OH, MI, Zuni Pueblo) to Mississippi and three additional states and two Indian reservations with special emphasis on serving children in low-income areas; and
• Makes possible for up to five states (or subdivisions within the states), to offer free meals to households with incomes up to 185% of poverty (subject to Congressional funding).

Among a small number of issues to be worked out prior to Senate floor action is the issue of "competitive foods," foods sold in competition with school meals programs. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) continues to press for language to be included in the Senate bill that will establish local school wellness policies (included in H.R. 3873), but also would call for a report that includes non-binding recommendations for standards for the sale and consumption of all foods sold at school to be shared with all local school food authorities along with technical assistance and guidance. (The Harkin amendment failed in committee by a vote of 13 to 7.)

Action Needed

Senate message - Urge your Senators (Capitol Switchboard: 202/224-3121) to support and "vote yes" on the child nutrition reauthorization bill when it reaches the Senate floor.

• In addition to calling your Senators, please click here to send them an email asking for their support.

Click here to return to FRAC's Child Nutrition Reauthorization website.