CONGRESSMAN MORELLE, SENATOR MERKLEY REINTRODUCE BILL TO KEEP KIDS FED AND LEARNING ALL SUMMER LONG

(Rochester, N.Y.)—Today, Congressman Joe Morelle (D, NY-25) and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) reintroduced their Summer Meals and Learning Act, legislation that would help children continue learning while ensuring they have access to nutritious meals during the summer months. The bill would establish a new federal grant program supporting reading programs at schools that serve as summer meal sites, helping students stay engaged academically even after the school year ends.

"Summer break should never mean a child falls behind in school or goes without a healthy meal," said Congressman Joe Morelle. "For too many families, that's exactly what's happening. This bill is a simple idea with a real impact: keep kids connected to books, keep school libraries open, and make sure they have healthy meals while they're there. I'm proud to partner with Senator Merkley once again to give more children the support they need to learn, grow, and succeed."

“Far too many children lose access to both nutritious meals and valuable learning opportunities when school lets out for the summer,” said Senator Merkley. “No child should have to start the new school year hungry or academically behind. The Summer Meals and Learning Act builds on a successful model pioneered in Oregon to help communities keep school libraries open, connect kids with healthy meals, and make sure every child can learn, grow, and thrive all year long.”

“Funding summer hours for school libraries can help prevent the learning gap between school years, when students are most at risk. The Summer Meals and Learning Act would strengthen students' minds and bodies at a time of year when both often languish,” said Maria McCauley, American Library Association President. 

For many children, school provides far more than classroom instruction. It's where they can find books to read, adults who encourage them to keep learning, and dependable access to healthy meals. When summer arrives, too many of those supports disappear—especially in communities where families have fewer opportunities to fill the gap.

Inspired by Oregon's successful statewide model, the Summer Meals and Learning Act would help expand proven summer learning and nutrition programs to communities across the country.

Research has shown the consequences can last well beyond the summer months. By fifth grade, students without access to summer learning opportunities can be as much as two years behind their peers.

The legislation would establish a grant program through the U.S. Department of Education to help State libraries partner with schools on summer reading programs. Schools would qualify if they:

• Operate a summer meal program; and
• Serve student populations where at least 50 percent of children are reading below grade level or are at risk of reading below grade level.

By bringing books and meals together in one place, the legislation would help more children return to school in the fall healthy, engaged, and ready to learn.

To learn more about the Summer Meals and Learning Act, read the full text of the legislation here.

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