WASHINGTON, D.C., March 10, 2020 – American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown issued the following statement today following the announcement by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue at a hearing of the House Appropriations Committee that USDA would take steps to give states more flexibility to provide school meals during coronavirus-related closures:
“We commend Secretary Perdue for taking action to give states more flexibility to provide meal service to students in need during school closures caused by the coronavirus. Unexpected school closures threaten to jeopardize the nutritional needs of millions of children nationwide who receive free and reduced-price school meals each day. The steps announced today are necessary to ensure essential meals reach vulnerable children whose schools are forced to shut down because of the coronavirus.”
“The American Heart Association advocates for policies and supports efforts at the federal, state and community levels that ensure kids receive healthy, nutritious foods that enable them to thrive. We stand ready to work with USDA and state health officials to ensure our children receive the meals they need in response to the coronavirus.”
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a leading force for a world of longer, healthier lives. With nearly a century of lifesaving work, the Dallas-based association is dedicated to ensuring equitable health for all. We are a trustworthy source empowering people to improve their heart health, brain health and well-being. We collaborate with numerous organizations and millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, advocate for stronger public health policies and share lifesaving resources and information. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Suniti Sarah Bal – 916-390-1860; suniti.bal@heart.org
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