Big news today! Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Don Young (R-AK) introduced a bipartisan resolution that will honor caregivers and their efforts to reduce hunger by recognizing National Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Week.
Not only does the resolution support the designation of CACFP Week but it lists, in detail, the many incredible and essential impacts the program has on our communities. The resolution states that the House of Representatives "recognizes the role...in improving the health of the country's most vulnerable children" and "urges support for continuing to strengthen CACFP by offering reimbursement for an additional meal or snack for children in care for a full day, offering annual eligibility for for-profit child care centers and reducing administrative burdens to participation." Additionally, "acknowledges that CACFP can, and should be an important tool in reducing the costs faced by the care economy, including for family friend, and neighbor care and licensed center-based care; and supports the designation of 'National CACFP Week'" (H.Res.___, 2022). Read the entire resolution here.
Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici and Congressman Young had this to say in their press release dated March 15, 2022:
“CACFP is one of the most powerful tools we have in our work to end hunger,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “No one in the United States should suffer from food insecurity. CACFP can help reach more children and adults who are in need of healthy meals and snacks. I’m committed to bolstering this important program and I’m pleased to lead this bipartisan resolution with Rep. Young.”
"Every year, National Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Week allows us to celebrate the great progress we have made in fighting hunger and providing compassionate care to some of the most vulnerable in our communities,” said Congressman Don Young. “This week is also a needed reminder of the work that remains to ensure CACFP is reaching those who need it most. I am committed to this program's success, and am honored to lead this bipartisan resolution with my friend, Congresswoman Bonamici."
Earlier this year Rep. Bonamici and Rep. Jamie Herrera Beutler (R-WA) introduced a marker bill for the upcoming child nutrition reauthorization called The Early Childhood Nutrition Improvement Act. Representative Bonamici has been a long-time friend of CACFP, you can hear her talk about the importance of it at the CACFP 50th Birthday Celebration on the hill in 2018.
