DeLauro Praises USDA Grant to Improve Access to Healthy Foods in Connecticut

Washington, DC— Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT -3), Chairwoman of the FDA and Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, released the following statement today praising the USDA's award of a demonstration grant to the state of Connecticut to test new methods for improving low-income children's access to nutritious foods during the summer.

Based on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program structure, the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer for Children (SEBTC) Demonstrations will provide low-income families with a monthly $60 debit card per child during the summertime. The Connecticut Department of Social Services will work together will the State Department of Education, 23 School Food Authorities, and the End Hunger CT! organization to distribute these benefits.

"I am thrilled that Connecticut was selected to be among the first states in the country testing this new nutrition program. Child nutrition is a complicated issue in this country— there is the clear problem of too many children simply not having enough to eat, but additionally, the combination of poor nutrition and unhealthy food options has resulted in an epidemic of childhood obesity that is a danger to the health and quality of life of our kids. It is critical that we ensure the foods our children eat have the nutritional value they need to thrive, and the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer for Children will help to do that. I look forward to the great work of the DSS, Connecticut Department of Education, and End Hunger CT! in making this program a shining example for the rest of the country to follow."