MEASURE TO FEED HUNGRY STUDENTS DURING SUMMER BREAK RECEIVES BROAD SUPPORT

Senate President introduces bill to ensure hungry students are fed during summer months

AUGUSTA – Senate President Justin Alfond (D-Portland) introduced a bill today to help feed hungry students during the summer months when school is not in session.

“Today across our state, students are going hungry. There are children who aren’t getting fed except for when they go to school,” said President Alfond. “Today, we have an incredible opportunity to help. And, despite overwhelming statewide need, there are still school districts not taking advantage of the summer food program.”

If passed, LD 1353 would require a school that holds summer activities and also has more than 50% of their students qualifying for free or reduced lunch take advantage of the Summer Food Services Program, a federal program administered by the USDA. The program covers the cost of food in summer food programs.

During his testimony, President Alfond added, “Studies have shown that when students are hungry, we know their grades suffer, they’re more prone to behavioral problems, and attendance declines.”

The Education & Cultural Affairs Committee heard over two hours of testimony from hunger and student advocates. No one testified in opposition to the bill.

Maine has the 7th highest rate of very low food security in the nation according to the USDA and one in four Maine children experience food insecurity. Over 84,000 of Maine’s children qualify for free and reduced school meals through the National School Lunch Program. According to the Food Research and Action Center, Maine’s summer food participation is 16.5%. That means that 70,140 qualified children in Maine did not have access to a summer meal through a summer food program.

The committee is expected to hold a work session in the coming weeks.

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