Advocates for healthier school meals told the Joint Committee on Education that universal free school meals are an essential first step, but state action is now needed to raise nutrition standards, support farm‑to‑school purchasing, and help districts implement improved menus.

Speakers — including school food directors, public‑health organizations, regional planning agencies and farm‑to‑school advocates — said the School Meals Nutrition Standards Commission report provides useful guidance but lacks a path for statewide implementation. “Access is just the first step. For meals to be truly universal, they must be nutritious and meet the needs of all students,” said Alexis Fox of the Massachusetts Healthy School Lunch Coalition.

Why it matters: Witnesses warned that federal funding changes could reduce SNAP and USDA supports, leaving families and school meals programs with shortfalls. Advocates urged a standing Nutrition Advisory Council and a competitive Farm to School grant program to (1) help districts increase scratch cooking, (2) expand culturally relevant and allergen‑friendly options, (3) increase local procurement, and (4) provide training and infrastructure support for food service staff.

Evidence and pilots: Panelists described pilot programs — the Mass Fresh grant and a DESE local food incentive — that distributed millions in federal funds to local producers and schools; those programs had strong demand and left unmet requests when federal support ended. Local districts described improved participation and student engagement after investing in scratch cooking and local sourcing.

Next steps: The committee heard Senate Bill 311 and House Bill 565 (farm‑to‑school) and House Bill 539/S401 (healthy school lunches). Witnesses asked for a clear, multi‑year implementation plan and state funding to sustain local purchasing and professional development for school food staff.