Tom Davis introduces bill to expand access to school meal programs in districts

The Senate Education Subcommittee convened on April 2, 2025, to discuss Bill S.454, which aims to enhance school lunch programs across South Carolina. The meeting began with Senator Tom Davis introducing the bill, which seeks to codify existing provisions regarding the identification of students living in poverty and their access to free school meals.

Katie Grinstead, a representative for the bill, outlined its key components. The legislation mandates that school districts identify the number of students in poverty and increase access to free breakfast and lunch. Districts qualifying for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) must adopt a resolution detailing their participation level. For those unable to participate due to financial constraints, a resolution must be adopted to explain the hardship.

Additionally, the bill ensures that parents and guardians of eligible students receive necessary applications and guidance for free and reduced lunch programs. Importantly, it prohibits districts from penalizing students who cannot pay for meals or have accrued meal debt. Specific examples of prohibited penalties are included in the bill.

During the discussion, Sheriff Anderson raised a question regarding a provision that addresses the practice of discarding meals after they have been served to students who cannot pay. This practice, which involves taking back meals from students with outstanding debts, was clarified as a concern that the bill aims to address.

The meeting highlighted the importance of ensuring that students are not publicly identified or penalized for their inability to pay for meals, raising questions about accountability for reduced meal payments. The subcommittee's discussions reflect ongoing efforts to improve access to nutritious meals for students in South Carolina, particularly those from low-income families.

As the meeting concluded, the subcommittee members acknowledged the significance of the bill and its potential impact on school lunch programs, with further discussions anticipated in future sessions.