Reykdal proposes free school meals for all students
By Terry Murry on Monday, September 12th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
OLYMPIA – Washington State School Superintendent Chris Reykdal recently announced his proposal to provide school meals at no cost to students statewide. Currently only schools with a certain level of free meal participants can offer free meals.
During the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, waivers from the federal government allowed all students to eat free of charge. However, starting this school year, those blanket waivers went away. As students head back to school this year, many are expected to again pay for meals during the school day. According to Reykdal, the proposal will cost $86 million dollars per year and provide 21.5 million lunches and 4.5 million breakfasts.
“When students are hungry, their ability to learn and engage in school is impacted,” Reykdal said. “Quality nutrition is a key component of student success and access to meals is an important part of being at school. We have to stop expecting families to foot the bill for resources and supports that are a normal part of the school day.”
In 2022, the Washington Legislature made great progress in ensuring more students statewide receive free meals at school by requiring all eligible schools to participate in the federal government’s Community Eligibility Provision. This program provides meals without fees to all students in schools with at least 40 percent of students qualifying for free meals. Walla Walla Public Schools and College Place Public Schools, for example, are currently offering all students free meals because their rates are 40 percent or higher.
Reykdal will submit his proposal during the 2023 Legislative session. If funded, all Washington students will have access to universal school meals by the start of the 2023-24 school year.
