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House Finance committee hears broad support, cost questions for universal free school meals bills
Summary
Supporters—including students, health groups and food advocates—urged the House Finance Committee to advance HB 1779 and related HB 2296 to provide universal free school meals, while the Department of Education warned of tens of millions in recurring costs and implementation issues tied to participation and reimbursement.
Supporters of universal free school meals pressed the House Committee on Finance on Wednesday, urging lawmakers to pass HB 1779 (HD1) and related HB 2296 to ensure every student receives free breakfasts and lunches.
Students, nonprofits, public-health organizations and food-industry representatives described personal and community consequences of food insecurity and said removing payments at point of service would increase participation and classroom readiness. Castle High seniors Cody Elazar and Keanu Naber told the committee that missing or revoked lunch accounts had caused students to go without meals, and urged immediate action.
"Giv…
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