Media

The COVID–19 Child Nutrition Response Act intends to resolve that issue. Sponsored by Representatives James Comer (R-Kentucky) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-Oregon), the bipartisan bill "will create a nationwide waiver authority, allow school officials to distribute food in any number of settings across all nutrition programs, and allow for flexibility on meal components if food supply or procurement is disrupted."

For the first time since a federal gag order prohibiting staff and students at Chemawa Indian School from speaking publicly about abuse allegations was lifted, leaders of the Native American boarding school are sharing their side of the story.

In that same vein, Rep. Suzanne Bonamici and Kentucky Rep. James Comer unveiled a bipartisan bill to protect students' access to school meal benefits during school closures related to COVID-19.

"As we continue to take necessary precautions because of the coronavirus, we must make sure that students can access nutritious meals if their schools are closed," Bonamici said in a statement. "School meals are often the only source of wholesome food for students, and this bill will make it easier for schools to continue serving the meals students rely on to stay healthy."

Oregon Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici joined Republican U.S. Rep. James Comer of Kentucky Wednesday, March 11, to introduce the COVID-19 Child Nutrition Response Act. The bill creates a nationwide waiver authority allowing school officials to distribute food in any setting for students and their families during emergencies like the coronavirus pandemic.