To the editor:

For the 1 in 5 kids who may face hunger today in New York, summer is usually the hungriest time of year. This summer, however, may be a different story because new benefits and temporary waivers are helping to reach even more kids with the food they need. For example, they allow parents to pick up meals for the week or allow school districts or organizations to drop meals off at a child’s home.

But these measures are temporary. It’s time for Congress to update and modernize the summer meals programs by permanently implementing policies that have fed so many kids during the COVID crisis, like additional summer grocery benefits and meal service options that overcome transportation barriers.

Sens. Schumer and Gillibrand and Rep. Stefanik have an opportunity to support proven solutions like a nationwide Summer EBT program and non-congregate meal options through the Child Nutrition Reauthorization process or the American Families Plan proposal. Kids facing hunger in New York and across the country can’t wait.

Rachel Sabella

No Kid Hungry New York

Westbury