The Nebraska Legislature recognizes the critical importance of adequate nutrition for young children, particularly those from low-income households, as it significantly impacts their development and future academic success. The resolution highlights the role of high-quality early care and education programs in providing essential nutrition through the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). However, these programs face financial challenges and rely heavily on federal funding to serve approximately 23,695 children daily. The resolution notes the temporary benefits provided by the Keep Kids Fed Act of 2022, which increased reimbursements for family day care homes, but emphasizes that these benefits expired on June 30, 2023.

In response, the Nebraska Legislature urges the President and Congress to make the changes from the Keep Kids Fed Act permanent, ensuring that all participating family day care homes receive Tier I reimbursement rates and additional meal reimbursements. The resolution aims to protect access to healthy nutrition for low-income children and calls for action to secure these necessary funding adjustments for the upcoming federal fiscal year starting October 1, 2026. Copies of the resolution will be sent to key federal leaders to advocate for this cause.