The Academy commends the reintroduction of the Summer Meals REACH Act, reflecting our commitment to ensuring consistent access to nutritious foods across the country. If passed, the REACH Act, championed by U.S. Sen. Andy Kim (NJ), would permanently authorize flexibilities introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic for the Summer Food Service Program, which provides summer meals and snacks at no cost to eligible children at community locations nationwide.
The proposed amendments include:
- Ensuring equal access to all children no matter economic standing or eligibility requirements.
- Allowing for grab-and-go meals alongside current congregate meal requirements.
- Expanding modalities to include remote options for meal site monitoring requirements, allowing for more community partners to operate summer meal sites.
"Nutrition and food security year-round is crucial, especially for children," said Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics President Deanne Brandstetter, MBA, RDN, CDN, FAND. "Every child deserves continued access to the same standard of nutrition during the summer as they do throughout the school year. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics commends U.S. Sen. Andy Kim for championing the Summer Meals REACH Act to ensure children have access to healthy foods during the summer months. Nutritious meals are essential for children's growth, overall well-being and the development of healthy eating habits, contributing to healthier adults and reducing future healthcare costs."
Join the Academy
Members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics receive exciting benefits including complimentary continuing professional education opportunities, discounts on events and products in eatrightSTORE.org, invitations to exclusive members-only events and more!