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The Problem of School Lunch Debt

December 18, 2023 by Rachel Danner Access to Justice Education Family Food Security Health

Senate Democrats have recently introduced a new bill directing the Secretary of Agriculture to “cancel and eliminate all debts” associated with school breakfast and lunch programs.[1] The Act, titled the “School Lunch Debt Cancellation Act of 2023…

Addressing Disproportionate Poverty in the LGBTQ+ Community

March 18, 2023 by Shannon Henris Family Rights

In a previous piece,[1] I discussed anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination and associated barriers to accessing public benefits in the United States. Addressing the compounding inequities faced by LGBTQ+ individuals will require a multi-faceted approach on two levels:…

Improving Access to TANF Cash Assistance is a Public Health Imperative

March 17, 2023 by Courtney Bernard Access to Justice Family

It is well-known that economic instability contributes to poor physical and mental health outcomes for adults and children alike.[1] This concept entered the societal consciousness even further with the onset of COVID-19 where economic insecurity was…

Anti-LGBTQ+ Discrimination and Barriers to Accessing Public Benefits

February 6, 2023 by Shannon Henris Family Rights

In 2016, the UCLA School of Law’s Williams Institute estimated that 27% of LGBTQ+ adults had experienced food insecurity in the past year, compared to 17% of non-LGBTQ+ adults.[1] The Williams Institute also reported that the likelihood of experiencing…

Bowling with Bumpers: Increasing Social Capital for Foster Care Youth

January 31, 2023 by Paige Ackman Family Rights

Introduction At any given time, there are roughly 400,000 children in foster care in the United States.[1]  Evident by the disturbing statistics for foster youth outcomes, this system is largely failing to adequately support foster youth.  Kids in…

Overturning Roe is a Poverty Issue

October 14, 2022 by Hope Sheils Access to Justice Family Health

On the June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court released its landmark decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health. Justice Alito’s majority opinion overturned Roe v. Wade and the right to an abortion.[1] The opinion holds that “Roe and Casey must be overruled…