Now Maine and California have became the first states to announce plans to continue free meals in 2022-23 and beyond.
It really makes sure every child who needs that meal and who depends on school meals gets those meals.”.
Making school meals free for all students could dramatically improve access to healthy food for thousands of Maine children.
According to the Maine Department of Education, about 38 percent, or 65,000 students, are currently eligible for free or reduced price meals.
Emerson, the school nutrition director in Westbrook, has long felt school meals should be free for all students.
Across the country, cost has been a barrier to providing free school meals, although states and the federal government have taken incremental steps toward expanding access.
No one testified against the bill, though the Maine School Management Association did express concern about school districts facing increased labor costs associated with preparing and serving more school meals. »
