New Jersey Senate Bill SJR35

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/22
• Refer: 1/31/22

Caption

Urges US Congress to pass legislation allowing a regional income eligibility requirement for school nutrition programs.

Impact

The resolution aims to address the disparities in access to school nutrition programs, particularly highlighting that the current federal guidelines do not adequately reflect the cost of living variations amongst different states. By advocating for legislative changes at the federal level, SJR35 seeks to broaden eligibility for federal nutrition programs such as the School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program. The resolution emphasizes that such changes could ultimately improve child health outcomes, alleviate hunger, and promote better educational performance by ensuring that more children receive nutritious meals.

Summary

SJR35 is a resolution introduced in the New Jersey Legislature urging the United States Congress to pass legislation that would establish a regional income eligibility requirement for federal school nutrition programs. Senators have noted that many families in New Jersey and other high-cost states struggle to meet basic living expenses even if their income exceeds the federal poverty guideline of earning less than 185 percent of it, which translates to approximately $47,637 for a family of four. The resolution acknowledges that despite earning above this threshold, significant numbers of households still face barriers to accessing adequate nutrition for their children.

Contention

The primary contention surrounding SJR35 revolves around the national poverty guidelines that govern eligibility for these nutrition assistance programs. Critics may argue whether creating different eligibility requirements based on regional cost of living could complicate federal program implementation, potentially leading to variations in access across states. However, supporters argue that these changes are necessary to ensure that families facing the unique economic challenges of high-cost states like New Jersey can access critical resources necessary for their children's health and wellbeing.