The Children’s Alliance has recognized Sen. Andy Hill of Redmond as one of its 2013 legislative champions for his work to end childhood hunger.

Hill secured additional funding for the State Food Assistance program, which provides grocery money to legally residing, low-income immigrant families.

“The Legislative Champion Award is the highest honor our organization can give to a lawmaker. The award recognizes strong leadership and clear accomplishment,” said Jon Gould, deputy director of the Children’s Alliance. “Sen. Andy Hill knows that hungry kids can’t learn. We are pleased to recognize him as a Champion for Ending Childhood Hunger for his work to restore food assistance to families in need.”

While the House of Representatives did not include additional resources for food assistance, Hill’s Senate plans boosted the program’s funding by $9.4 million for the next two years. Hill, the Senate’s budget leader, successfully kept the funding in place during final budget negotiations with the House.

“Ensuring children don’t go hungry is essential for our state’s future and working on behalf of State Food Assistance was a great way to do it effectively,” said Hill. “A big thank you goes to the Children’s Alliance for its dedication to this cause. Because of these steps more students will stay healthy and able to be productive in the classroom.”

The Children’s Alliance is the primary children’s advocacy group in Washington. Each year it recognizes state lawmakers who achieve results in the organization’s priority policy areas.