We are excited to acknowledge a milestone in supporting food security for the Asian American and Pacific Islander community: the restoration of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for people residing in the U.S. from Compact of Free Association (COFA) nations —which include the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau.
This is long overdue.
Citizens of the three nations are allowed to work in the U.S. as legal residents, but since the passage of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act in 1996, they had been denied the opportunity to receive food benefits through SNAP. which improves food security and health.
Summer is finally here, bringing with it long days, warm sunshine, and a break from the school routine. As students and their families transition from the structured schedules of the school year to the relaxed vibe of summer, our meal planning needs to adapt too.
The Food Research & Action Center interviewed Patrick Tutwile, Massachusetts’ Secretary of Education, to learn how the state’s Healthy School Meals for All policy has impacted students, families, and schools.