D.C. Hunger Solutions Applauds Introduction of
Universal Free School Meals Amendment Act of 2023

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Brittani Riddle
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D.C. Hunger Solutions Applauds Introduction of
Universal Free School Meals Amendment Act of 2023
Statement attributable to LaMonika N. Jones, Interim Director, D.C. Hunger Solutions

WASHINGTON, January 19, 2023 — D.C. Hunger Solutions applauds the introduction of the Universal Free School Meals Amendment Act of 2023. Introduced by Councilmember Christina Henderson, and co-introduced with members of D.C. Council Charles Allen, Zachary Parker, Robert C. White, Jr., Brooke Pinto, Brianne K. Nadeau, Vincent C. Gray, and Matthew Frumi, this act is an amendment to the Healthy Schools Act of 2010. The Universal Free School Meals Amendment Act will provide free school meals and afterschool snacks to all public school, public charter school, and participating private school students in the District of Columbia beginning in academic year 2023–2024.

School meals are a critical resource for families recovering from the pandemic, reducing childhood hunger, and improving children’s academic achievement. Universal school meals also eliminate stigma for students who receive free and reduced-priced school meals, and ensure all students have the nutrition they need to grow and succeed in and out of the classroom. Washington D.C. is a part of the growing momentum across the nation in support of healthy school meals for all.

D.C. Hunger Solutions has long been a champion of universal school meals. We are grateful to the D.C. Council and thrilled to see the continuing efforts to eradicate childhood hunger across the District and to support students’ success and well-being. This is a significant step in ensuring that all children in our nation’s capital have access to the healthy and nutritious food they need to grow and flourish.

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About D.C. Hunger Solutions
D.C. Hunger Solutions, founded in 2002 as an initiative of the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), works to create a hunger-free community and improve the nutrition, health, economic security, and well-being of low-income people in the District of Columbia. To learn more about D.C. Hunger Solutions, visit www.dchunger.org