WA leaders concerned over federal funding cuts for free school meals

Federal budget proposals are raising significant concerns among Washington lawmakers and advocates for student nutrition, as cuts to free school meal programs threaten access for hundreds of thousands of students. The U. S. Department of Agriculture has eliminated $660 million from the "Local Food for Schools" program, which aims to provide healthy, locally-sourced food to schools. Additionally, proposed changes to the "Community Eligibility Provision" could raise the eligibility threshold from 25% to 60% school poverty, potentially excluding around 12 million students across the country, including 475,000 in Washington.

Governor Bob Ferguson is prioritizing the expansion of universal free school meals, despite a projected multi-billion dollar budget shortfall that complicates funding efforts. Advocates, including Sen. Marcus Riccelli, stress the importance of addressing student hunger to achieve academic success, highlighting that hungry students cannot focus on learning. While some legislative proposals did not progress before key deadlines, Ferguson's office continues to work with lawmakers to explore options for expanding meal access. The urgency of these discussions is underscored by the potential impact of federal cuts on vulnerable student populations.

As the situation evolves, the commitment to ensuring food security for all students remains a critical focus for state leaders.