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Lauderhill commission backs state bill to restore universal school meals after students testify

Lauderhill City Commission · February 10, 2026

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Summary

Following testimony from Lauderhill 6‑12 students about food insecurity and learning impacts, the commission unanimously adopted a resolution supporting state legislation to ensure school breakfast and lunch access for K‑12 students and to prohibit third‑party meal debt collection.

Lauderhill, Fla. — Students from Lauderhill 6‑12 urged the City Commission on Feb. 9 to support state legislation ensuring free or universally available school breakfasts and lunches, telling elected officials that a reliable school meal can be essential to learning and wellbeing.

Lauderhill’s resolution (26R0242) expresses support for companion bills in the Florida Legislature that would require K‑12 public schools participating in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program to ensure breakfast is provided at no cost and to prohibit third‑party debt collectors from pursuing outstanding meal debt. The city voted 5‑0 to transmit a certified copy of the resolution to the president of the Florida Senate, the speaker of the Florida House and the Broward County legislative delegation.

Teacher and student government adviser Renee Barnett introduced students David Holgate, Daniel Vega and Faith Lafrance, who described the personal and practical impacts when universal free meals expired. Vega recounted anxiety his family faced as they waited for eligibility approvals; Lafrance said late buses and early start times can prevent students from reaching breakfast, and that at Lauderhill 6‑12 about 95% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch.

Commissioners underscored the academic and behavioral evidence cited by students and staff. The mayor asked the city clerk to transmit the resolution to state leaders. The measure passed unanimously.

What happens next: The resolution is a formal statement of local support intended to influence state legislators and raise awareness. If the bills pass at the state level, districts would be required to implement the program changes described in the bill text.