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Subcommittee backs universal free school breakfast bill, cites reduced food insecurity and $29M fiscal estimate

Senate of Virginia — Education Subcommittee (Senate Committee Room C 311) · January 16, 2026

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Summary

Sen. Roem’s SB 4 to guarantee free school breakfast for all K‑12 students was recommended 5–0 after testimony from public‑health groups, students and hunger‑relief organizations; proponents cited lower food insecurity and improved learning; a fiscal estimate of about $29 million was discussed.

Sen. Roem introduced SB 4, proposing universal free school breakfast for students in Virginia. Supporters said guaranteed school breakfast reduces food insecurity and improves attention and learning. Gonzalo Ayeda of the American Heart Association said school meals reduce food insufficiency by about 14 percent when students participate in meal programs.

Students, non‑profits and education groups spoke in favor, including a student witness and organizers who run programs to pay down meal debt. Opponents raised nutritional and food‑quality concerns, with one commenter asserting that school food is highly processed and contains contaminants (testimony offered without committee verification). Committee members asked about fiscal impact; sponsors cited a fiscal estimate of roughly $29 million.

The subcommittee voted to recommend reporting SB 4 to the full committee (5–0). The bill will move forward with the fiscal note and further budgeting discussions in future stages.