No child should go hungry. Yet next month, new federal food stamps cuts will kick in, affecting nearly a quarter-million Washington households.
Already, one in four children live in households that do not have enough food. Furthermore, when schools close for long breaks, children who are on free/reduced meals do not receive the necessary food assistance.
The state Legislature can help. Three years ago, during the recession, it slashed the state-based Food Assistance program by 50 percent. Last year, it partially restored State Food Assistance up to 75 percent of the level provided by federal food stamps.
Now it is time for them to restore full assistance. We have the money to get kids the food they need to learn and grow: the state Legislature is working out a 2014-15 budget that includes $60 million in additional revenue. Lawmakers need to restore equal benefits for families that count on State Food Assistance.
– Maya Vengadasalam
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