A proposed state and federal policy that aligns with your advocacy priorities for your vulnerable population.

Proposed Changes: While the initial policy is a step in the right direction, a critical change would be to mandate a regular, cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for SNAP benefits that accounts for regional food price differences. The current model does not adjust for the high cost of groceries in many urban and rural areas, creating a persistent gap in benefit adequacy. This change would ensure that the policy's effectiveness is not eroded by inflation or geographic disparities.

Proposed State Policy: Universal School Meals

This proposed state-level policy would ensure that all public school students receive free breakfast and lunch, regardless of their family's income. This policy, often referred to as "Healthy School Meals for All," has been implemented in several states, including California, Colorado, and Maine.

Evidence to Support the Policy: A wealth of research supports the benefits of Universal School Meals:

Improved Student Outcomes: A systematic review of studies found that universal free school meals are associated with increased meal participation, improved diet quality, and better academic performance. Students who eat school meals have higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, and milk compared to those who bring lunch from home.

Elimination of Stigma: The policy eliminates the social stigma and bullying often associated with receiving free or reduced-price meals. When all students eat for free, no child is singled out for their family's income level, which can reduce school suspensions and disciplinary incidents.

Reduced Administrative Burden: Universal meal policies streamline the application process for schools and families, reducing unpaid meal debt and allowing school staff to focus on nutrition and service rather than paperwork and debt collection.

Proposed Changes: To further strengthen this policy, it should be expanded to include funding for summer and after-school meals. While the current policy addresses food insecurity during the school year, the summer months often present a significant challenge for families who rely on school meals. Expanding the program would ensure children have access to consistent nutrition year-round, addressing the "summer hunger" gap.

Sample Answer

As an advocate for vulnerable populations, my primary concern is to combat food insecurity among children and families. This is a critical issue that affects a child's health, academic performance, and long-term well-being. Two key policies, one at the federal and one at the state level, align with these priorities.

Proposed Federal Policy: The "Closing the Meal Gap Act"

This proposed federal policy seeks to improve the adequacy of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Currently, SNAP benefits are based on the Thrifty Food Plan, a flawed calculation that does not provide enough support for a healthy diet in most parts of the country.

Evidence to Support the Policy: Research from organizations like the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) and the Urban Institute consistently shows that SNAP benefits are often insufficient, forcing families to exhaust their benefits before the end of the month. This leads to increased food insecurity and financial hardship. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a temporary increase in SNAP benefits significantly reduced food insufficiency and improved household financial stability. This serves as a powerful natural experiment, providing compelling evidence that more generous and well-adjusted benefits are highly effective in alleviating poverty.