Gov. Ferguson pushes for free meals for all Washington K-12 students
In a significant move for educational reform, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson is advocating for free breakfasts and lunches for all K-12 students, projecting an annual taxpayer cost of approximately $108,000. Collaborating with Rep. April Berg and Sen. Marcus Riccelli, Ferguson aims to extend the benefits to the 30% of students who currently do not receive free meals. During his recent inauguration speech, he criticized the existing eligibility criteria, stating, "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. " This initiative is particularly relevant as Washington faces a substantial budget shortfall, prompting discussions about educational funding priorities. Tacoma Public Schools is already providing free meals to all students, while Seattle's program is income-based. The proposal has sparked bipartisan interest, with some Republicans acknowledging its potential benefits but calling for a careful evaluation of costs and outcomes. Overall, Ferguson's initiative reflects a growing recognition of the importance of addressing food insecurity in educational settings, promoting better learning experiences for all students.
As the discussion unfolds, it remains a developing story with significant implications for Washington’s education system.