Sandy Springs council hears urgent plea on school lunch funding from Alex Somer

The Sandy Springs City Council convened on March 19, 2025, to address various community concerns, with a significant focus on the issue of school lunches. The meeting began with standard procedural announcements and the pledge of allegiance, followed by public comments from residents.

During the public comment segment, Alex Somer raised urgent concerns regarding the impact of federal budget cuts on school lunch programs. He highlighted that a billion dollars had already been cut from federal funding, which could severely affect local students. Somer presented data from the Georgia Department of Education, indicating that many students in Sandy Springs rely on subsidized lunches, with some schools reporting high percentages of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals.

Somer emphasized the potential consequences of these cuts, estimating that over 2,000 students could be affected, leading to a financial shortfall of approximately $2.7 million needed to ensure that all children receive adequate meals. He urged the council to commit to ensuring that no child in Sandy Springs would go without breakfast or lunch, particularly emphasizing the disproportionate impact on Black and Latino students who are already facing societal challenges.

The council members listened attentively to Somer's plea, which underscored the importance of addressing food security for children in the community. The meeting concluded with a call for further discussions on how the city can support local schools and ensure that all students have access to nutritious meals.

As the council moves forward, the implications of Somer's comments may prompt further action and dialogue regarding funding and support for school lunch programs in Sandy Springs.