CPA News Releases, Advisories, and Editorials

State Expands Summer Food Service for North Carolina Children

Legislators Launch Campaign for Increased Participation

Washington, D.C. — No North Carolina child need go hungry this summer as the result of a significant expansion in community sites open to feed needy children, state legislators will report at a June 18 news conference in Raleigh.

More than 750 sites, up from 616 in 1996, will serve nutritious meals at no charge to children who might otherwise go hungry. But a concerned group of state legislators is calling on parents, community leaders and the news media to pass the word about the program.

During the school year, more than 400,000 children participate in free or reduced cost meal programs. Over the summer the number drops significantly.

Good nutrition for children is important over the summer. Itﾒs estimated that those who donﾒt eat well start the school year two to three months behind well-fed children.

To date, 16 state legislators have signed on to the information campaign, which grew out of plans by participants in the Southeast Community Policy and Leadership Forum, convened by the Center for Policy Alternatives. The Forum helps African-American state policy makers and grassroots organizations move policies to build strong and healthy communities.

Details on the summer food service program will be available at the news conference.

WHEN : 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 18, 1998

WHERE: Legislative Press Room, Legislative Building

16 W. Jones Street

WHO: Rep. William Wainwright, Craven

Rep. Howard Hunter, Northampton

Rep. Dan Blue, Wake

Rep. Alma Adams, Guilford

TOPIC: Summer Food Service To Keep Children Healthy

# # #