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From State Senator Lindsey Williams, District 38

A new Federal proposal may make it easier for more schools to take advantage of the “Community Eligibility Provision,” which allows all students to receive free breakfast and lunch. 

Currently, if 40% of all students in a school qualify for free or reduced meals, that school can offer free meals to all students. However, not all schools participate in this program because the Federal government doesn’t provide full reimbursement for meals until 62% of students are eligible.

The new proposal would lower the Community Eligibility threshold and allow schools to offer free meals to all students when only 25% of students qualify for free or reduced meals. The downside– reimbursement rates are not expected to change with this proposal, which means that many schools won’t be able to afford to change their participation, despite being eligible.

This proposal is still in the comment period until May 8. You can submit your comments here: Federal Register :: Child Nutrition Programs: Community Eligibility Provision-Increasing Options for Schools. I’ll be urging the Federal Government to increase their reimbursement rates to schools participating in Community Eligibility.

My Universal School Meals legislation with Senator Judy Schwank requires that all schools maximize their participation in the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program. This new Federal proposal, if paired with increased reimbursement rates, would be a huge benefit to our students across Pennsylvania.

Federal proposal would expand free meals for all kids to more schools | 90.5 WESA