LEGISLATIVE ACTION ALERT

Issue:  Many children in low income families have little access to food except for the free or reduced price breakfast and lunch they receive at school. Summers are usually a particularly difficult time for these children as the families try to access local food banks or other social service organizations who serve meals. This bill would require, by 2005, at least one federally funded summer food program in each school district to operate at least 40 days during summer months and be located within 5 miles of an elementary school where 50% or more of the children are eligible for free or reduced price school meals. There is no fiscal impact and there are exemption provisions if schools choose not to participate.

Message:  Please allow HB 1115 to be withdrawn from House Appropriations and put on the Special Order Calendar. Children should not have to go hungry during the summer months. Federal dollars are available for needed nutrition and faith-based and other providers are willing to serve as sites to help families feed their children.

Contact:
Speaker Johnnie Byrd: (850) 488-1450, speakerbyrd@myfloridahouse.com
and
Representative Bruce Kyle:  (850) 488-1541, kyle.bruce@myfloridahouse.com
House Appropriations Chairman