Bill 118 HR 3037, also known as the Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2023, aims to address food insecurity in the United States by expanding access to nutritious meals for vulnerable populations. The bill focuses on improving and expanding existing federal nutrition programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the National School Lunch Program.
One key provision of the bill is the establishment of a pilot program to test the effectiveness of providing free meals to all students in high-poverty schools. This program aims to ensure that all students have access to nutritious meals during the school day, regardless of their family's income level.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions to increase funding for food banks and other emergency food assistance programs, as well as initiatives to improve access to fresh and healthy foods in underserved communities. The bill also seeks to address food deserts by incentivizing grocery stores and farmers markets to open in areas with limited access to fresh produce.
Overall, the Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2023 is a comprehensive effort to combat food insecurity in the United States by expanding access to nutritious meals for those in need. It aims to improve the health and well-being of vulnerable populations and reduce the prevalence of hunger in our communities.