Washington State U.S. Representative Rick Larsen, from the 2nd Congressional District, has co-sponsored legislative to expand access to afterschool meals and snacks for low-income children and reduce paperwork for providers.

Here's a quick fact sheet for the “Ensuring All Students Year-round (EASY) Access to Meals and Snacks Act of 2009,” (H.R. 4274).

Washington state is at a critical moment for children’s health. For five years, state leaders and community partners have been working toward the vision of covering all children in Washington by 2010. Apple Health for Kids: A Prescription for Economic Stability is a new report from the Children’s Alliance that examines where our state stands after five years of progress, highlighting our achievements in children’s health coverage and access, and outlining what remains to be done in order to fulfill the promise of covering all kids.

Kids who rely on school meals during the school year often go without
the nutrition they need during the summer months. A small, up-front investment can draw millions in federal funds to help curb summer hunger for Washington kids. By chipping in $250,000, the state could leverage up to $4 million in federal funds to expand summer meal sites in a dozen communities across Washington.

Read about our 2010 state legislative priority in childhood hunger.

The Early Learning Action Alliance 2010 Legislative Agenda outlines priorities for our state's youngest learners.

Read the ELAA Legislative Agenda.

Background on the federal performance bonus awarded to Washington State for progress on enrolling children in Apple Health for Kids.

Read about the performance bonus award.