Committee backs narrower school meal expansion for K–6 students in low-income families

Senator Escamilla presented the first substitute for SB 180, describing an incremental approach to expanding school-meal access. The substitute targets kindergarten through sixth-grade students from families with income between 185% and 200% of the federal poverty level (the sponsor illustrated that 200% of poverty for a family of four is about $64,300). The bill proposes that local school districts use up to 5% of liquor-markup funds allotted to the uniform school fund and that up to $5 million come from the Public Education Stabilization Restricted Account to cover the new eligibility group.

Public testimony included support from Neil Rickard of Utahns Against Hunger, Tamara Watson of the Utah Association of Public Charter Schools, and rural-supervisory and district representatives who said targeted expansion would address food insecurity among young children. Senator Hinkins moved that the substitute be sent out with a favorable recommendation; the committee passed the motion unanimously.