School meals have long served as our nation’s first line of defense against childhood hunger. We know that school meals contribute to better academic performance, attendance, and nutrition. However, after the loss of COVID-19 pandemic support that allowed meals to be served for free to all students, many families and school systems are struggling to readjust to the tiered payment system that has historically excluded too many children in need. Last school year (2022–2023) was the first academic year after the pandemic, where schools again had to collect forms and payments for school meals.
Last month began the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The observation started in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15.
During this celebration, it is important to note the disparity that the COVID-19 pandemic and hunger have had on this community. Latinx and Black communities were disproportionately impacted during the pandemic, as hunger rose despite federal pandemic aid.
It is also important to note the amazing Latinx advocates across the country who are leading the charge to end hunger and poverty. The following are 12 advocates we want to highlight.
After receiving thousands of supportive comments, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released their final rule, Community Eligibility Provision: Increasing Options for Schools, which provides 3,000 additional school districts the opportunity to offer nutritious meals to all students at no cost. Since its inception, the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) has been instrumental in eliminating stigma, reducing burdens on families and districts, and ensuring that all students have access to free healthy school meals, no matter their families’ household income level.
The final rule, effective October 26, 2023, lowers the eligibility threshold from 40 percent to 25 percent, thus increasing millions of students’ access to nutritious school meals. Newly eligible schools that want to participate this school year (SY 2023–24) are encouraged to work with their state agency to submit a waiver to USDA.
