(The Center Square) – State lawmakers are taking a phased-in approach to free school meals for all.
Illinois House Bill 2365, sponsored by state Rep. Maurice West, D-Rockford, seeks to appropriate $67 million to the Healthy School Meals for All Program established in 2023. Legislators and advocates discussed the initiative at a House Appropriations Elementary & Secondary Education Committee hearing.
West said he also filed a bill to spend $209 million, but, citing the state’s current budget challenges, said the reduced measure would provide meals for schools with at least 40% of their students from low-income families.
“While this would only be a portion of the full cost, the $67 million would go a long way in increasing access to free meals for more students and schools,” West said.
According to West, the Illinois Alliance to Promote Opportunities for Health promotes a phased-in approach. He said the cost analysis was completed by the University of Illinois Chicago using data and guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education.
State Rep. Blaine Wilhour, R-Beecher City, asked if other schools might also get funding.
“The scope of this bill does not expand beyond that 40%? You have to qualify in that 40%. You don’t make it open for any school to enroll?” Wilhour asked.
Illinois Public Health Institute program director Kathleen Bernstein answered Wilhour, saying she hopes for expansion.
“The law that’s in place is the structure for universal free meals, and we would love to get to the place in Illinois where all schools and districts are able to offer a free breakfast and lunch to all their students,” Bernstein said.
Vienna school superintendent Joshua Stafford said local church groups help families in his community.
“It’s young families trying to get a start in life, generally, or maybe somebody who’s fallen on hard times. Our kitchen staff works with Blessings in a Backpack to ensure that, over the weekend, hunger need is met,” Stafford said.
