State Representative Edith Ajok Caldwell is pushing for universal free school meals in Rhode Island, facing pushback from House leadership due to budget constraints. The program, temporarily free nationwide during the pandemic, aims to eliminate the stigma associated with receiving free lunch and increase participation among low-income families.
The estimated cost of universal school meals ranges from $21 million to nearly $40 million annually, depending on student participation. The proposed legislation would phase in the program, starting with elementary schools in 2026 and gradually expanding to middle and high schools.
Currently, the National School Lunch Program provides free or reduced lunch to about 65,000 children from lower-income families in Rhode Island. The Community Eligibility Provision offers free meals to eligible school districts like Providence, Central Falls, and Pawtucket. However, recent cuts to funding for food banks and child care centers by the USDA have raised concerns about the sustainability of universal school meals.
Despite the success of making free school meals permanent in Massachusetts, uncertainty remains about federal funding and potential increases in state costs. Rhode Island State Senator Jonathon Acosta believes the state could shoulder the burden for as low as $5 million, based on participation rates in other states with similar programs.
Both the Senate and the House in Rhode Island have yet to schedule a hearing on the legislation this year. The push for universal free school meals remains a priority for advocates like Caldwell and Schiff, who emphasize the importance of providing equal access to food for all students, regardless of income.
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