Latest news with #UniversalMealsProgram
Newsweek
3 days ago
- General
- Newsweek
Map Shows States Offering Free School Meals
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A growing number of states are implementing universal free school meals for students in full-time education. Universal free school meals are a relatively new phenomenon in the U.S., with the first statewide programs being implemented in recent years offering breakfast and lunch to students regardless of their family's income. But what your children are entitled to can vary according to where you live. In all states, students from low-income families are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Eligibility is typically determined by family income, and those who qualify for free meals have no cost, while those who qualify for reduced prices pay a subsidized rate. Many states also have expanded rules on who can access free or low-cost breakfast and lunch during school hours. But while only nine states have made universal meal programs permanent so far, others are actively introducing or debating legislation that could expand access in the coming years. Which States Have Free School Meals? California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York and Vermont have all adopted permanent statewide policies to offer free breakfast and lunch to all public school students. These programs eliminate income-based eligibility requirements, making meals accessible to every child and aiming to reduce the stigma and logistical barriers often tied to free and reduced-price meal programs. California's Universal Meals Program, Colorado's Healthy School Meals for All and Maine's School Meals for All were all implemented in the 2022–2023 school year. Since then, Massachusetts, Michigan, Vermont, New Mexico and Minnesota have all kickstarted their own programs, with every public school child in the state receiving free lunch and breakfast. New York is the latest to join the movement, with free school meals being made available to all students in the state during the 2025-2026 school year. While only nine states have fully free school meals on the table, other states have either widened access to free school meals or are considering legislation to make free meals an option for all children. Lawmakers in Nebraska, Tennessee, and Washington are all currently considering making free school meals universal. In Hawaii, free school meals will be available for children previously eligible for discounted breakfast and lunch this school year, impacting 11,000 students. Earlier this year, Arkansas lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to give free school breakfasts to all students in the state, although free lunches are not available. Free breakfasts for students have also been available in Pennsylvania since 2023. Some states have tried to implement free school meals this year, but attempts to pass legislation have been unsuccessful. In Iowa, a bill sponsored by 12 Democrat state lawmakers failed in the committee stage, and in Rhode Island, plans to introduce free school meals in the 2026-2027 school year has also been killed.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Feeding the need for nutrition services
Mar. 6—Once the Lodi Unified School District incorporates a seven-period day at its high schools, there will be a need for more employees in its food nutrition services division. During the district's board of education meeting Tuesday, division director Betty Crocker proposed adding some 31 new positions to ensure students receive meals at every campus, as well as during after school programs. Crocker said six of the new positions would be supervisors, and 22 would be cafeteria managers and assistants. Other proposed positions include a buyer, an equipment technician and a child nutrition technician, she said. In addition, 20 existing positions will be extended to 12-month employees. "We want to synchronize our staffing and extend some of our calendars to 12 months to support program growth,' Crocker said. "This is directly to establish career pathways and professional development for team member advancement, and with this, comes a naturally sustainable staffing and consistent coverage for all of our programs." Crocker said existing staff will be given first priority in applying for the positions, which will be funded through AB 130. The bill was adopted in 2021 and requires all public and charter schools to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students. The positions are estimated to cost about $2.8 million, which will be taken out of $7.8 million from the Universal Meals Program implemented under AB 130 and allocated to the district. Crocker said failure to invest in the program would result in that $7.8 million being returned to the state, "These positions are much needed for our district and for nutrition services," employee Robin Turner said. "These are great positions and they will provide advancement opportunities for current employees." Last month, the board unanimously approved implementing a seven-period schedule at Lodi, Tokay and Bear Creek high schools, beginning in the 2025-26 school year, in an effort to boost student achievement. "I think its so important, nutrition for kids," board member Courtney Porter said. "The data is there, that well-fed kids do better in school. And (Crocker) is a big part of that. You and your team. I also like the fact we're not giving $7 million away. We're putting it back in the system and keeping it local." Board member Joe Nava agreed. "It's a monumental job that you have," he told Crocker. "And as long as you get all these kids fed, we're on top of things. I know it's being done. I've visited some of the schools, and what a nutritional service they have."
