Print FriendlyHB287/SB361: Hunger Free Schools Act: State lawmakers reauthorized and updated the Hunger Free Schools Act of 2015, which was set to expire this year, to preserve recent gains made.
The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) is a federally funded program that allows schools in low-income areas to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students. The CEP allows high-poverty schools to offer school meals to all students at no charge, thereby creating Hunger-Free Schools. Community eligibility increases access to healthy school meals, improves learning and reduces food insecurity.
CEP adoption is growing in Maryland schools. Who benefits from the CEP?
- Students have access to free nutritious meals without stigma; as well there is improved attendance, comprehension and alertness.
- Parents do not have to deal with a household application or the other paperwork, nor do they have to manage lunch accounts.
- School staff and administrators have reduced paperwork and administrative costs. There is an improved classroom environment along with student attention spans; there are fewer disciplinary referrals and higher graduation rates result.
Update: The bill passed
HB150/SB170 The budget bill maintained current funding of $6.9 million for Maryland Meals for Achievement
Maryland Meals for Achievement (MMFA) is an innovative, state-funded Breakfast in the Classroom program that reimburses school districts for costs not covered by federal funds when they provide an in-classroom breakfast to all students regardless of family income. Schools with at least 40% of students eligible for free or reduced price meals can provide universal, in-classroom breakfast.
MMFA is a successful and proven initiative that increases access to the federal School Breakfast Program. Currently, MMFA is funded at $6.9 million, allowing over 230,000 students in 462 schools to access free classroom breakfast.
Update: The bill passed