Michigan Education Leader Invited by Senator Stabenow to Share Her Perspective on School Meals at Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee Hearing

WASHINGTON, D.C. – At the invitation of U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry, Dr. Diane Golzynski, Director of the Office of Health and Nutrition Services at the Michigan Department of Education, shared her perspective on how Congress can feed Michigan children and help them grow and learn.

“Whether it’s wholesome breakfasts or nutritious lunches, Michigan is a leader on providing healthy school meals for our children,” said Chairwoman Stabenow. “As a leading expert on child nutrition, Dr. Golzynski’s perspective provided Congress with invaluable insights on how we can address the hunger crisis and make sure Michigan children can lead healthy and successful lives.”

“I thank Senator Stabenow for the opportunity to share my perspective with the Senate Agriculture Committee,” said Dr. Golzynski. “The educational system is a bedrock for our society in terms of providing children a sense of consistency, belonging, and care while growing their intellect in preparation for a productive life. Providing consistent, healthy meals to children when they are in and out of school is essential to student success.”

Watch footage from the hearing here.

Chairwoman Stabenow has led the effort in the U.S. Senate to address the hunger crisis and feed Michigan children in need. In the American Rescue Plan and other COVID-19 assistance packages, she secured several important changes to expand food assistance to families facing hunger. She helped create the Pandemic-EBT program to allow Michigan families with children receiving school meals to more easily purchase healthy food during the pandemic. She also partnered with Michigan superintendents to successfully extend flexibilities to help schools provide healthy meals to kids while schools were closed due to COVID-19.

###