Bill would expand summer meal programs for kids

A bipartisan measure introduced in the House this week would give students on free or reduced lunch programs greater access to meals during the summer.

The bill, authored by Reps. Don Young (R-Alaska) and Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), would allow schools to provide up to three meals per day, instead of only two, as well as on weekends, after school and holidays. It would also reduce the threshold for eligibility for the federal Summer Meals Program from 50 percent of children in the community receiving free or reduced lunch to 40 percent.

{mosads}In addition, the legislation would authorize grants to give students in rural areas transportation to summer educational programs.

Young, a former elementary school teacher, said it would help ensure that students from low-income families stay healthy and maintain their education while school is out.

“As a former teacher, I know that these programs significantly help kids maintain their academic success throughout the summer and allow them to begin the school year healthy and ready to learn,” Young said in a statement. 

“Making sure kids get regular, nutritious meals year-round is critical to their health and their ability to learn,” Larsen added.

Young offered the bill during the last Congress, but it never received legislative action.