Activists say N.J. budget cuts could eliminate school lunches

Anti-hunger advocates are urging New Jersey officials to reverse proposed budget cuts for school breakfast and lunch programs.
The Anti-Hunger Coalition says more than five million dollars in cuts in Governor Christie’s budget plan could lead to the elimination of subsidized breakfast programs in schools and curtail school lunch programs for thousands of children from poor families.

Anti-hunger advocates are urging New Jersey officials to reverse proposed budget cuts for school breakfast and lunch programs.

The Anti-Hunger Coalition says more than five million dollars in cuts in Governor Christie’s budget plan could lead to the elimination of subsidized breakfast programs in schools and curtail school lunch programs for thousands of children from poor families.

JoQuelle Williams is a single mother from Trenton. She says those programs allow her children to get the food they need, “The breakfast program is a lifeline that helps children stay healthy and happy but it also helps me make ends meet and ensure that I can provide for my childrens’ other needs.”

Advocates are calling on the Governor and state lawmakers to preserve the funding for those school meal subsidies. They say the cuts threaten the nutritional and educational well-being of children.