MERKLEY, MORELLE CHAMPION BILL TO EXPAND SUMMER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES AND MEAL ACCESS FOR KIDS

WASHINGTON, Aug. 10 -- Sen. Jeff Merkley issued the following press release:

Oregon's Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representative Joe Morelle (D-NY-25) led the reintroduction of the Summer Meals and Learning Act. The bill would establish a grant program to keep school libraries open and provide literacy activities at schools that serve free summer meals, helping to close the student achievement gap.

"Far too many children lose access to both nutritious meals and valuable learning opportunities when school lets out for the summer," said Merkley. "No child should have to start the new school year hungry or academically behind. TheSummer Meals and Learning Act builds on a successful model pioneered in Oregon to help communities keep school ...