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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
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
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
IDEA Public Schools to offer free meals to children this summer
PERMIAN BASIN, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) – IDEA Public Schools' Child Nutrition Program (CNP) is excited to announce they will be serving FREE meals during the summer to any child in the community aged 18 years and younger beginning Monday, June 2, whether they are an IDEA student or not. IDEA Travis will serve breakfast and lunch beginning Monday, June 2 through June 27th. IDEA Yukon will serve breakfast and lunch beginning Monday, June 2 through July 31. The offering is made possible through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. According to Feeding America, nearly 1 in 5 children in the state of Texas face hunger. The free meals are part of IDEA's commitment to local communities to help promote a healthy and active lifestyle through the Seamless Summer Meals Option. For the children who rely on school meals during the academic year, these meals offer a source of good nutrition when school is out for the long summer vacation. 'We know nutrition is essential for all children in our community—not just during the school year, but throughout the summer as well,' said Fernando Aguilar, Vice President of the Child Nutrition Program at IDEA Public Schools. 'With nearly 1.7 million children in Texas at risk of hunger this summer, we're proud continue helping fill that gap by providing nutritious meals that ease the financial strain on families during the break.' The summer meals will include breakfast and lunch and must be consumed in the cafeteria of any IDEA campus Monday through Friday. Breakfast will be served from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Food service will be closed on federal holidays, June 20 and from June 30 through July 4. Families seeking more information regarding summer meals on campus may contact the cafeteria manager at any IDEA campus. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
NV families will start receiving summer EBT food benefits this month
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways Last year, the S-EBT program delivered about $37 million in benefits to nearly 312,000 children, with about 80% of those benefits being fully utilized. (Photo by) Thousands of children in Nevada will start receiving federal nutrition benefits designed to cover school meals missed during summer vacation this month. About 280,000 children in Nevada will automatically receive a one-time payment of $120 starting May 17, thanks to a federal nutrition program known as the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (S-EBT). Congress passed bipartisan legislation in late 2022, making S-EBT permanent for states that opt-in, including Nevada. The federal program now permanently provides families with $40 each summer month per eligible child to buy food at grocery stores, farmers markets, or other authorized retailers. Last year, the S-EBT program delivered about $37 million in benefits to nearly 312,000 children, with about 80% of those benefits being fully utilized. In order to automatically qualify for the S-EBT program, a child must attend a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program and be eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Children who qualify for free or reduced-price meals due to their participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) will also automatically qualify for S-EBT, even if they do not attend a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program. Children on Medicaid in a household with an income at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level also automatically qualify for S-EBT, regardless of which school they attend. Children participating in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) can also be automatically eligible for the S-EBT program. Families can check to see if their child was automatically enrolled into the program through an online portal at Access Nevada starting May 17. Not automatically eligible? Apply anyway. Households that are not automatically eligible are still encouraged to apply for the S-EBT program starting May 17, when applications open on the Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services website. While most Nevada Summer EBT eligible families will automatically receive the Summer EBT benefit, there is a group of income eligible families that must submit an application. Last year, a total of 6,347 families not automatically eligible for S-EBT applied for the program, according to the Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services. Of those applicants, 2,690 were ultimately determined eligible for the summer food benefits, or about 42% of all applicants. David Rubel, a New York City-based education consultant, said even more families were likely eligible last year, but never applied. He found that only 9% of potentially eligible households in Nevada submitted applications, leaving about $8.4 million in benefits on the table. 'Only a handful of Summer EBT eligible families submitted applications last year,' Rubel said. 'Using a formula from USDA, the potential number was 70,400 families.' However, those funds are now lost. S-EBT is a one-time benefit tied to a specific school year and cannot be retroactively applied for or claimed for previous years, according to the Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services. 'The Summer EBT money won't get distributed and spent this summer unless families know about it,' Rubel said. Nevada wasn't the only state to lose out on benefits. Rubel looked at 14 states' potential number of applications vs. applications submitted and found that the percentage of applications submitted in every state was less than 20% of potential applicants. How benefits will be distributed Eligible households that participate in SNAP or TANF will automatically receive their S-EBT benefits starting May 17 on existing EBT cards if the guardian listed by the Nevada Department of Education in the Summer 2024 program file remains the same. Families that qualified last year can also receive benefits on their existing S-EBT cards issued last year, the program's inaugural year. Families that need a replacement card can request a replacement S-EBT card from the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services Division of Welfare and Supportive Services. Replacement S-EBT cards may take 2-3 weeks to receive. Children receiving benefits for the first time will be mailed a S-EBT card to the address of the guardian listed in the school's registration system for the 2024-2025 school year. Mailed S-EBT cards may take 2-3 weeks to receive. S-EBT benefits expire 122 days after they become available. If the benefits are not used within 122 days, they will be removed from the card and cannot be replaced, per federal regulations. For additional details on eligibility, benefit usage timelines, or how to apply, families are encouraged to visit the DWSS Summer EBT webpage and review the program FAQs.
