As the cost of living continues to soar, families across Wake County are facing heightened struggles to keep food on the table. The recent decision by the Wake County Public School System to increase meal prices by 25 cents may seem like a small amount, but it represents a significant burden for many households already grappling with food insecurity.
The harsh reality is that food insecurity is a growing crisis in our region and state. According to Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap study, 14% of individuals in North Carolina faced food insecurity in 2022, with even higher rates among children (19.6%), Black persons (26%) and Hispanic persons (22%).
These alarming statistics underscore the systemic barriers and inequalities contributing to hunger, which disproportionately impact marginalized communities. Among these marginalized communities, children often face the brunt of food insecurity, particularly during the summer when school lunches are no longer offered.
In light of these challenges, it is imperative that we rally behind initiatives aimed at ensuring no child goes hungry. The Food Shuttle is actively involved in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), providing free meals and snacks to children in low-income communities during the summer months with the use of federal funding.
However, a more comprehensive solution is needed. That is why we wholeheartedly support the School Meals for All NC (SMFANC) campaign, dedicated to ensuring every child has access to healthy, nutritious school meals at no cost.
The campaign’s goals for the current legislative session include supporting the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Pilot through lowering its eligibility index, allowing unused reduced-price copay funds to close the “CEP funding gap” and preventing meal debt from barring students from participating in school activities.
The CEP uses district data regarding family enrollment in federal welfare programs to determine the identified student percentage (ISP) of students who qualify for free school meals. If a school has over a certain ISP, all students can receive free meals without schools having to collect and verify applications. The current statewide ISP sits at 55%, and SMFANC is proposing to lower the threshold to 40%. If this provision were passed, 120 schools in the Food Shuttle’s five-county service area would give access to free meals to all students.
By embracing this initiative, we can alleviate the burden on families, provide essential nutrition to children and foster an environment where every student has an equal opportunity to learn and thrive, regardless of their status.
To take action on this crucial issue, contact your legislators, voicing your support for the CEP Pilot with this template email from SMAFNC.