Committee advances bill to make reduced‑price school meals free for eligible students

The Senate Education Committee voted to advance legislation that would expand access to free school meals for students who currently qualify for reduced‑price lunches by enabling districts to use available federal funding and other mechanisms to cover the remaining cost.

Senator Kim Hammer, who presented the bill, said the measure is intended to address gaps caused by federal changes and make it easier for students to receive meals at no charge. "Because kids cannot learn on empty," Amanda West, child nutrition director for the Monticello School District, told the committee, explaining that converting reduced‑price students to free status in Monticello would add roughly 80 free student meals and that statewide the bill would cover tens of thousands of reduced meals.

Corey Keller, an advocate with the American Heart Association, described childhood food insecurity and health risks associated with malnutrition, urging support for the bill. Senators on both sides praised the bipartisan work between the sponsor and the governor's office to resolve earlier differences on language.

The committee took public testimony and then voted favorably; the sponsor thanked members and staff for their work. The legislation will move forward to subsequent floor consideration.