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Advocates press Senate to require both breakfast and lunch in all schools; sponsor cites learning and health benefits
Summary
SB205 would require schools to offer both breakfast and lunch; supporters cited research tying breakfast to improved concentration, attendance and long‑term health, while opponents questioned cost and whether state should mandate additional meals
A sponsor’s representative told the Education Committee that SB205 would require every public school in New Hampshire to offer both breakfast and lunch to students.
Nick Randos, appearing for the bill’s sponsor, told the committee: "Children who eat school breakfast have fewer school nurse visits related to hunger, fewer behavioral issues, higher test scores, reduced rates of obesity and chronic disease ... and higher graduation rates." He said about 449 schools already offer both meals, while 28 public schools and 38 charter schools offer lunch but not breakfast.
Supporters — including Laura Milliken of New Hampshire Hunger Solutions — testified the requirement would reduce stigma, improve learning and be consistent with practices in neighboring states. Milliken said school breakfast typically meets federal nutrition standards and that school breakfast is often healthier than what some children receive at home.
Opponents raised cost and practical concerns. Aubrey Friedman opposed new mandates without a clear funding source and asked where state funds would come from; others warned that adding breakfast statewide would not be free and could require additional staff, equipment or transportation changes in some districts. DOE testimony noted that the department’s fiscal estimate would exceed the small appropriation included in a draft fiscal note and that, as written, the department interpreted some language to require both meals for participating districts.
Discussion vs. action: Committee members asked for data on which schools currently do not offer breakfast and requested clearer fiscal estimates. The hearing ended with no committee vote.
Ending: Supporters urged the committee to act on child nutrition; staff and some senators asked for specificity on funding and implementation before any mandate would be recommended.
