Universal Free School Meals Amendment Act of 2025
The proposed changes would amend existing legislation related to school meals, particularly the Healthy Schools Act of 2010. The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) would oversee the reimbursement process for schools providing meals to students ineligible for federally funded free or reduced-price meals. The law is expected to help mitigate food insecurity among children in the District—an issue particularly affecting Black and Latinx households—by reducing barriers to accessing school meals and, subsequently, enhancing academic performance and overall health.
B26-0108, titled the Universal Free School Meals Amendment Act of 2025, aims to provide free breakfast, lunch, and after-school snacks to all students in public, charter, and participating private schools in the District of Columbia, starting from the 2025-2026 school year. This legislation is positioned as a continuation of the federal waiver that allowed for universal meal provision during the COVID-19 pandemic. By removing eligibility requirements based on family income, the act seeks to ensure all children have access to nutritious meals at school, reflecting a commitment to enhancing child welfare and educational access.
While the bill has garnered significant support among council members and community advocates, there are concerns regarding the fiscal implications of implementing universal free meals. The estimated annual cost is $8 million, although recent USDA policy changes could lower this figure. Opponents may argue about the sustainability of funding such initiatives, especially in the context of budgetary constraints. Additionally, discussions may arise around the effectiveness of this policy in addressing the root causes of food insecurity beyond the school setting.