Gov. Ferguson pushes for free meals for all Washington K-12 students
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has introduced a bold initiative to provide free school breakfasts and lunches to all K-12 students in the state, particularly targeting the 30% of students who currently do not qualify for free meals. The proposed program, which is estimated to cost taxpayers around $108,000 annually, seeks to enhance educational outcomes by ensuring that all students have access to nutritious meals. Ferguson, in collaboration with Rep. April Berg and Sen. Marcus Riccelli, made his case during his inauguration speech, highlighting the struggles of working parents whose children fall outside eligibility for existing meal programs.
He stated, “If you’re a single parent working full time making 19 bucks an hour, your child doesn’t qualify for free meals. That’s unacceptable. ” The Seattle Public Schools system, the largest district in the state, currently provides free or reduced-cost meals based on family income, while Tacoma Public Schools has already implemented a program offering free meals to all students. This proposal has sparked bipartisan discussions, with some Republican leaders expressing support while emphasizing the need to evaluate costs and benefits amid a looming budget shortfall. As Ferguson aims to navigate these complex financial challenges, his proposal may gain traction among legislators seeking to prioritize education funding.
The call for free meals for all students underscores a broader conversation about food security and educational equity in Washington.