Policy Priorities 2024

The Department of Education presently lacks a set deadline for school districts to confirm their participation in the USDA's Summer Food Service Programs. This initiative aims to offer meals in low-income communities during summers, often accompanied by enrichment activities.

School districts hold priority as sponsors for this program. In cases where districts opt out, nonprofits such as food banks can step in as sponsors. The process and preparation required to commence a summer feeding program typically spans around three to five months.

Feeding Louisiana is advocating for the Department of Education to establish a deadline that permits nonprofits to step in and deliver the necessary service for children. This measure would ensure adequate time for these organizations to prepare and offer vital assistance. Non- Profit community sponsors of the Summer Food Service Program also could take on the grab and go or delivery meal option for USDA’s rural designation option for sites that aren’t able to be served by schools in the summer.

When a children’s program sponsor endeavors to implement the Summer Feeding Service Program (SFSP) or the At Risk After School Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), they are mandated to undergo a Department of Health Sanitation inspection. The guidelines for this inspection primarily focus on food preparation standards rather than Shelf-Stable Foods. Shelf-stable foods, characterized by their non-perishable nature, can be safely stored at room temperature for a minimum of one year.

It's important to note that certain requirements such as the need for a grease trap or mop sink, which are typically part of the sanitation inspection, are not necessary for the distribution of shelf-stable foods.

Feeding Louisiana is actively advocating the Department of Health to develop a specific Shelf Stable Food Policy and catered tailored to accommodate the requirements of SFSP and CACFP initiatives. This policy would streamline regulations specifically for shelf-stable foods in these programs, ensuring smoother implementation and compliance for participating afterschool programs.

Feeding Louisiana is also advocating for sponsors who partner with a satellite kitchen, vendor or food service management company of hot foods who deliver their food to them before meal service to be served. The questionnaire and permitting process is currently set up similar to permitting a restaurant and needs to be set up as a host site receiving prepared hot foods before meal service. The satellite kitchen and CACFP/SFSP program site follow all of the required provisions of time/temperature control with documentation and protocols from LDH of hot foods upon receiving them and serving them to children. LDH should take into consideration that the program sites are just receiving the food and not preparing it, so the need for a grease trap, three compartment sink and other normal requirements are not necessary. All food comes with disposable utensils and approved cooling and heating equipment.

Many of the requirements on the CACFP and SFSP questionnaires are geared towards cooking sites only.

Feeding Louisiana is requesting a questionnaire and permitting process specific for non-profit At Risk After School CACFP sites and SFSP sites serving shelf stable foods.

Feeding Louisiana is requesting a questionnaire and permitting process specific for nonprofit CACFP/SFSP sites receiving prepared hot meals from a third-party satellite kitchen, catering company, food service management company or vendor.

The State of Louisiana holds a unique opportunity to significantly impact the lives of its residents by supporting Feeding Louisiana with a budget allocation of $1,000,000. This funding would be dedicated to the procurement of locally sourced Louisiana produce, protein, and seafood for distribution through Food Banks across the state, directly benefiting those most in need.

Investing in Feeding Louisiana's initiative to purchase local agricultural products and seafood serves multiple crucial purposes. Firstly, it promotes economic growth and stability within the state by bolstering the agricultural and seafood industries, vital components of Louisiana's economy. By purchasing these goods locally, the funding would directly support our state's farmers, fishermen, and producers, fostering sustainability and growth within these essential sectors.

Moreover, directing these resources towards acquiring locally sourced food staples allows Feeding Louisiana to address food insecurity in a targeted and impactful manner. The funding would enable Food Banks to provide nutritious, fresh, and culturally relevant food options to individuals and families facing food insecurity throughout the state. Access to these locally sourced items not only supports health and nutrition but also preserves the rich culinary heritage that Louisiana is renowned for.

By supporting this initiative, the State of Louisiana has an opportunity to uplift both its agricultural sector and its citizens in need. This investment would not only nourish communities but also stimulate economic vitality, fostering a stronger, more resilient Louisiana for generations to come.

Monitor priority bills of partner organizations and offer support as needed, including policies that enhance access, lower barriers to qualify for and retain benefits, and contribute to the long-term health of our communities.

Feeding Louisiana will support the Board of Regents implementation of the Hunger Free Campus bill by providing support from its network of food banks to set up food pantries on all college campuses with the Hunger Free Campus designation. It will also advocate dollars from the state budget fund the legislative approved Hunger Free Campus grant program.

Feeding Louisiana supports the initiative to make SNAP benefits more accessible to college students. There are so many stipulations for a college student to qualify for SNAP benefits, like working a minimum of 20 hours a week or participating in a work study program. Many other states have adopted policies to reduce the work requirement hours for college students. Many collegiate programs like law school or medical school do not allow their students to work. While some provisions are set up for students enrolled in programs like these or that go to community college, Feeding Louisiana is requesting that the work requirement be reduced to 10 hours a week for all college students.

Continuing to implement Summer EBT benefits to all families with children that were enrolled in daycare or school for the 2024 summer will help families provide groceries to their children when they are off of school for the summer. Feeding Louisiana supports LDOE, FNS and DCFS in efforts to implement this vital program for all families in the summer of 2024.