Latest news with #NationalSchoolLunchProgram
Malaysian Reserve
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Malaysian Reserve
Solving Hunger Announces Four Campaign Wins In School Meals Expansion Efforts As Momentum Grows For Universal School Meals Across the Nation
NEW YORK, July 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Solving Hunger, a project of Tusk Philanthropies, today announced the results of its 2025 campaigns. Solving Hunger won campaigns in Arkansas, Delaware, North Dakota, and New York. Working with statewide organizations and providing advocacy, lobbying and communications tools, Solving Hunger helped secure $117 million in new state funding to provide an additional 164.7 million meals every year, starting in the fall, to 600,000 children who do not currently have access to meals. This year's results represent the strong momentum towards school meal funding across the nation, with 2026 poised to be an important year as states prepare to adjust to dramatic changes in federal nutrition policy and funding, which will be fully implemented by January 2027. School meals programs were left largely untouched by the new 2025 tax act. The School Breakfast Program and the National School Lunch Program – in partnership with states — could prove to be a lifeline for families and communities facing deep nutrition and health care cuts. 'There are hungry kids everywhere and a growing realization that feeding kids nutritious meals at school is a great investment for schools, families, and communities', said Bradley Tusk, the Founder of Tusk Philanthropies.'There is tremendous momentum for school meals in 2026. Just in the last four year, nine states have enacted universal school meals, three states have enacted universal school breakfast, and dozens of states have significantly expanded access to school meals. We hope more governors and legislators will take notice and follow suit. No child in America should go hungry.' In 2025, Solving Hunger partnered with grantees to help run campaigns on the ground in the following jurisdictions: Solving Hunger partnered with Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance on a successful campaign to fund universal free breakfast for all 475,000 K-12 Arkansas students. At a cost of $14.7 million, Arkansas will provide access to 42 million meals for an additional 237,000 students who previously did not have automatic access. Arkansas will become the second state in the nation to offer universal breakfast in the fall, and the first southern, GOP-led state, to offer a universal meal program. Tusk said: 'Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders committed to helping kids, and she has done it. While other governors, including some in Democratic-led states, pay lip service to feeding children, Governor Huckabee Sanders and the Republican legislature has followed through, year over year, to expand access to meals for kids. As a society, this is the most basic function we should provide – feeding our children – but only a few, true leaders really mean it.' Solving Hunger worked on a successful campaign to fund universal free breakfast for all 141,000 K-12 Delaware students. This means access to 13 million meals for an additional 77,000 students who previously did not have automatic access. Delaware will become the third state to offer this universal program, after Arkansas and Pennsylvania. Tusk said: 'Democrats Rep. Kim Williams and Sen. Jack Walsh guided their colleagues in approving a universal breakfast program that got strong bipartisan support in the legislature. Instead of spending over $3 million annually for ten years on a lease for a government building for Delaware's Department of Justice – a space that the Department didn't want – Delaware will make sure that every kid has a good breakfast at school.' Solving Hunger worked on a successful campaign in North Dakota to increase school meals to K-12 children living in households at 225% of the federal poverty level. This represents 1.2 additional meals for 3,300 students living in households whose income does not exceed $72,338 in the 2025-26 school year. Tusk said: 'North Dakota is in a strong financial position, and twice in the last two legislative sessions, Republicans have wisely chosen to spend precious taxpayer dollars on our most precious assets – our kids. In 2023, they raised the eligibility for meals to 200% of the federal poverty level, and they've taken another step this year to 225%.' Solving Hunger worked with the New York state coalition in 2023 to get over 80% of New York kids fed in school. This year, they worked independently to help achieve universal school meals for all 2.7 million New York K-12 school children. This year's final effort means an additional 108 million meals will be available to an additional 300,000 kids at a cost of $160 million. Tusk said: 'I'm proud of our state. Governor Hochul showed real leadership in advocating for this in her budget. Legislative leaders, who have moved in recent years toward universal school meals, were finally able to get it done, and New York will be better for it.' Solving Hunger also led a campaign in Ohio, with the support of Gov. Mike DeWine, to expand free meals to kids who already qualify for them, but who aren't receiving them. Despite the popularity of expanded school meals in Ohio, House Speaker Matt Huffman refused to allow meals to be expanded in the state, even to schools and districts who would have received them for free from the federal government. Solving Hunger also assisted in a campaign in Oregon for universal school meals that would have made it the tenth state to expand free meals to all students. Despite support in the Governor Tina Kotek's budget, overwhelming support among voters who saw it as their top spending priority, and unanimous support in committee votes in the legislature, Joint Ways and Mean Chairwomen Senator Kate Lieber and Representative Tawna Sanchez refused to bring the measure up for a final vote, and the legislature adjourned without considering the measure. Solving Hunger will announce its 2026 grantees in October. Contact:cory@
Time of India
16-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Pennsylvania Education Department raises income limits for school meal programs: Here's what it means for students and families
Pennsylvania Education Department raises income limits for school meal programs More students across Pennsylvania will now have access to free or reduced-price school meals, as the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has raised income eligibility limits for the 2025–26 academic year. The update is part of the state's ongoing effort to ensure all students have access to nutritious meals during the school day, supporting both learning and overall well-being. The revised guidelines took effect on July 1, 2025, and aligned with annual federal updates issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). What's changed? The new income thresholds allow more families to qualify for meal benefits: A family of four earning $40,882 or less annually is now eligible for free meals. A family of four earning up to $58,016 qualifies for reduced-price meals. Eligibility depends on both household size and total income. Schools typically send out applications at the beginning of the academic year. In some cases, students are automatically eligible based on participation in other government assistance programs. Why it matters Expanding access to school meal programs helps address child hunger and reduces the financial burden on families. Nutritious meals at school contribute to better classroom behaviour, higher attendance rates, and improved academic performance. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Birla Evara 3 and 4 BHK from ₹ 1.75 Crore* Birla Estates Learn More Undo These benefits are especially important for students from low- and middle-income households. In addition to supporting physical health, school meals also help reduce stress and promote a more equitable learning environment, ensuring all students have the fuel they need to focus and succeed. Programs impacted The updated income limits apply to several federally assisted programs, including: National School Lunch Program (NSLP) School Breakfast Program (SBP) Special Milk Program Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) These programs serve children during the school year and, in some cases, during summer and after-school hours as well. What about schools with free meals for all? Many schools in Pennsylvania participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), a federal initiative that allows schools in high-poverty areas to serve free meals to all students, regardless of household income. Families whose children attend a CEP-participating school do not need to submit income applications. What families should do next Families are encouraged to: Check with their child's school or district office to see if it participates in the CEP. Review the new income guidelines to determine eligibility. Complete and return meal benefit applications if required by the school. Additional information and application instructions are typically included in back-to-school packets or available on school district websites. The bottom line With the cost of living continuing to rise, the updated income limits for school meal programs aim to provide much-needed support for Pennsylvania families. Ensuring students have consistent access to healthy meals is a critical step toward helping them thrive both in and out of the classroom. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Yoobi and SmileyWorld® Bringing Smiles & Optimism to Every School Day
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., June 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kid's lifestyle brand dedicated to emotional expression, SmileyWorld® and Yoobi Global LLC, a mission-based brand creating fun, colorful, and premium quality kids school supplies, have collaborated on a new range, with the goal of bringing together two brands that celebrate positivity, creativity, and individuality in each and every school day. The collection is designed to empower each student to make their mark by helping them bring creativity to all parts of every class. The collection, launching on June 17, 2025, features 44 products including pens, pencils, notebooks, pencil cases, keychains, stickers, activity sets, planners, binders, and lunch bags, available exclusively on and at Target stores nationwide. Aimed at inspiring Gen Z and Gen Alpha audiences to express themselves, the products feature Yoobi's bold designs and SmileyWorld's icons, ensuring that each and every child starts their day with a smile. "We could all use a little more joy — and this exciting collaboration with SmileyWorld is guaranteed to bring big smiles and good vibes all around!" said Ido Leffler, co-founder and CEO of Yoobi. "Our purpose at Yoobi is to create fun and bright school supplies that make a big difference for kids in need. The new Yoobi and SmileyWorld line brings together iconic nostalgia and fun school essentials to inspire creativity and playfulness in the classroom and at home with our first ever decor and furnishing pieces." Janet Martin, CPO for Lifestyle Consumer Products at The Smiley Company, said, "We're absolutely thrilled to have worked on a SmileyWorld collection with Yoobi to create high-quality school products that bring a smile to each and every child. We're excited to see children across North America, celebrate their individuality and self-expression, something that is incredibly important to our SmileyWorld mission." Yoobi, renowned for its high-quality, functional, and design-forward supplies, donates an essential school item to a classroom in an underserved community with every qualifying purchase and will continue to do so for the entirety of the SmileyWorld collection, helping to spread smiles and support education in every community. To date, Yoobi has donated school supplies to kids in need for 11 years and counting with 96,965,016 products donated to over seven million children across the U.S. The Yoobi and SmileyWorld collection will be available exclusively at Target stores across the U.S. and Canada and on For more information, please visit About YoobiYoobi is a mission driven school supplies brand with a BIG IMPACT. Yoobi prides themselves as leaders in trend and design. Yoobi's exclusive give partner, Kids in Need Foundation, helps to find classrooms in need where 70% or more of students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program. For every qualifying item purchased, Yoobi donates a school supply item to a U.S. child in need. To date, Yoobi has donated more than 96 million essential school supplies to over 7 million students. Yoobi's stationery and school supplies products are available at Target nationwide, Amazon, and additional retailers. For more information on the brand, mission, and products, please go to and follow them on Instagram and TikTok. About SmileyWorld®A brand owned by The Smiley Company. SmileyWorld is a market leader and the first lifestyle brand dedicated to emotional expression, The Original Smileys™ is a creative universe filled with thousands of unique icons that make emotional expression easy and fun. Smileys provide a shortcut to understanding complex emotions and kickstarting meaningful conversations. Media Contact:Leah Brown(858) 337-2995396788@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Yoobi + SmileyWorld Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
KHSD to offer free meals for children, teens this summer
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The Kern High School District announced a free meal program for students in the month of June. KHSD said it will offer free breakfast and lunch to all students between the ages of 2 and 18. The program will begin June 2 and continue through June 27. Students do not need to be enrolled in a KHSD school to join the free meal program, according to KHSD. All meals must be consumed on campus. Bill to prevent California school defunding amid immigration raids passes Assembly 19 KHSD schools will provide breakfast from 9:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m., and lunch from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.: Arvin BHS Del Oro East Bakersfield Foothill Golden Valley Highland Independence Kern Valley Mira Monte North Ridgeview Shafter South Stockdale West Nueva Tierra Del Sol Vista The schools with different schedules are as follows: Centennial Breakfast – 9:15 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Lunch – 11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. ABLE Breakfast – 8:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. Lunch – 11:30 a.m. – noon RCC Breakfast – 8:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. Lunch – 11:30 a.m. – noon Vista West Breakfast – 8:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. Lunch – noon – 12:30 p.m. The meals will be provided through the federally funded Seamless Summer Option of the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program, according to the school district. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Sen. Justice co-sponsors bill to put whole milk back in school cafeterias
U.S. Sen. Jim Justice (R-WV) speaks to reporters at the U.S. Capitol on March 25, 2025 in Washington, DC (Kevin Dietsch | Getty Images) Whole milk could return as an option in school cafeterias, according to a bill supported by Sen. Jim Justice. The Republican Senator from West Virginia signed on as co-sponsor of the 'Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025.' 'I am proud to be a co-sponsor of this bill [and] glad to see it pass out of committee! Whole milk is vital to children's growth and bone strength. It is time to bring it back in schools!' Justice posted Wednesday on X. The bipartisan bill aims to reintroduce whole milks and 2% milk to schools participating in the National School Lunch Program. The measure also has the support of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who tweeted in March that his administration is 'encouraging programs to switch from low-fat dairy – which the antiquated Dietary Guidelines require them to promote — to full-fat/whole milk.' Current guidelines from the United States Department of Agriculture require schools to offer fat-free and low-fat milk, flavored and unflavored, to kindergarten through twelfth grade students. Whole and reduced-fat (2%) milk were removed from school menus in 2012 under the Obama administration to limit saturated fat consumption and calorie consumption among children. Recent research suggests that kids who drink whole milk could be less likely to be overweight or develop obesity than children who drink reduced-fat milk. 'Milk is an important part of a balanced diet that delivers critical nutrients students need for growth and development. It makes sense for National School Lunch Program operators to have the authority to offer this healthful beverage to students during the school day,' said Sen. John Boozman, (R-AR). I'm proud to lead the committee in advancing this bipartisan solution to expand milk options and encourage increased dairy consumption while supporting America's hardworking dairy producers,' The U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, which Boozman chairs, advanced the measure on Tuesday. Justice is also a member of the committee. The bill now heads to the full Senate for consideration. The measure also authorizes parents or legal guardians, in addition to licensed physicians, to provide a written statement for their student to receive a nondairy substitute for fluid milk at school. Nearly every West Virginia county provides free breakfast and lunch to students regardless of income due the state's high poverty level. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
