Roma, TX—Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28), announced $9,955,285.46 in federal funding for the reimbursement of summer meals for 3,500 children in Starr County. Last summer, Starr County students received $6,275,522.71 worth of lunches and $3,679,762.75 worth of breakfasts through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the School Breakfast Program (SBP). These programs provide nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to children and reimbursements for nonprofit breakfast programs.

“Our children need good nutrition all year long, and through these federally funded child nutrition programs, it is possible for schools and childcare institutions to provide nutritious meals even during the summer months when school is out,” said Congressman Cuellar. “The pandemic triggered an increase in hunger vulnerability among families with children. Therefore, as a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies—which assigns the budget for school lunches— I have been working tirelessly to increase funding for child nutrition programs that provide the nourishment our children require to continue growing, learning, and thriving.”

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or no-cost lunches to children each school day. The program was established under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, signed into law by President Harry Truman in 1946.

The School Breakfast Program (SBP) is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and non-profit private schools and residential child care institutions. The SBP started in 1966 as a pilot project, and was made a permanent entitlement program by Congress in 1975.

For more information on USDA’s Child Nutrition programs, click HERE.

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