How Ohio schools could offer free breakfasts and lunches to students ...Middle East

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohio lawmakers are reaching across the aisle to provide free breakfast and lunch for students.

Senate Bill 109 would provide no-cost breakfast and lunch to public and charter schools that opt in to the national school breakfast and lunch programs. The bipartisan bill was sponsored by Sen. Louis W. Blessing III (R-Colerain Township) and Sen. Kent Smith (D-Euclid). Blessing said not only would S.B. 109 help families, it would do so at little cost to the state.

Under the legislation, the state would reimburse public and charter schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program and its breakfast counterpart. Low-income students are eligible to receive reduced-price or free meals through the program, and each qualifying meal served receives federal reimbursement. Under S.B. 109, the state, rather than the school districts, would cover the costs that are not federally reimbursed.

Blessing said academic performance in Ohio is strongly linked to poverty, with districts in poorer areas performing worse. Smith seconded this, pointing out that the number of homeless students in Ohio has doubled over the last decade. Both senators told NBC4 they believe this legislation will help fuel students for success.

"I am convinced this is going to improve test scores in the long run," Blessing said.

Blessing said it would not only reduce costs for families, but it would positively affect students. He said truancy is an issue in Ohio, and free meals could serve as a good incentive for students to attend school. Families would also be able to save time in the mornings by not needing to prepare breakfast or pack lunches.

"Ensuring a student gets two out of their three daily meals will help them advance academically, emotionally and physically," Smith said. "Kids only make up 22% of Ohio’s population, but they are 100% of our future. By providing basic existence needs to Ohio kids, we are investing in our future workforce."

Currently, at least five central Ohio school districts are part of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) of the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program, which gives state reimbursement on top of the federal funds.

For non-CEP districts, students pay an average of $1.43 for breakfast, $2.83 for elementary lunches, $3.11 for middle school lunches and $3.41 for high school lunches. This means the average high schooler would owe more than $600 if they bought lunch every school day. Blessing said the legislation could save Ohio families thousands.

S.B 109 would also remove financial weight from school districts that currently balance these costs. Bexley City Schools, for instance, does not qualify for CEP participation but allocates $100,000 to ensure all students have access to free breakfast. Bexley does opt in to the National School Lunch Program, so S.B. 109 would alleviate these costs.

Blessing said some constituents have voiced concerns about the cost of the legislation. He said S.B. 109 would cost the state $297 million annually, which the legislation proposes to come out of the state's general revenue fund's line item "school meal programs." He said for a state with a $100 billion budget, that cost is fairly inexpensive for the outcome. Further, he said, it would not require property taxes, with no increased cost to families.

The General Assembly is currently considering options for the biennial budget, which will go into effect in July. Recommendations from Gov. Mike DeWine would have about 15% of the budget go toward education. See previous coverage of the state's budget in the video player above.

The bill has been referred to the Finance Committee but does not yet have a scheduled hearing.

Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( How Ohio schools could offer free breakfasts and lunches to students )

Also on site :

• Today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram and Answers for Sunday, June 8
• NYT Connections Sports Edition Today: Hints and Answers for June 8
• At least 40 hospitalised after suspected food poisoning in western Iraq