November 22, 2016

Good news!  Yesterday, legislative leaders announced a childhood anti-hunger initiative that would establish the "Nourishing Young Minds Fund" in the Department of Agriculture (Bills S2819/ A436).

The bill would help defray the costs of effectively implementing the federal school breakfast and summer meals programs in high-poverty communities. The fund can be used by both the agriculture department and by advocates for outreach and support to get those who qualify to participate.  This would include helping schools develop plans for the programs, assisting schools with applying for grants, helping parents fill out required paperwork and other similar needs. 

Since 2011, the NJ Food for Thought Campaign, which ACNJ co-leads, has been promoting “breakfast after the bell” to ensure that more kids have the nutrition they need to start the school day ready and able to learn.

ACNJ thanks Senators Steve Sweeney, Teresa Ruiz and Raymond Lesniak and Assemblyman Adam Taliaferro for sponsoring this legislation that will help to feed many hungry children in New Jersey.

Learn more. 

Video: 

• Ceil Zalkind explains the Nourishing Young Minds Initiative Fund.
• Hear from the bill sponsors.

View Photos from event.