Louisiana Senate Bill SR154

Louisiana 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/25/18
• Refer: 4/26/18
• Report Pass: 5/10/18
• Passed: 5/11/18

Caption

Requests the state Department of Education to create a committee to study and develop mechanisms and processes whereby every student is served a meal at school, regardless of ability to pay.

Impact

The bill is proposed in response to significant issues surrounding hunger and school meal accessibility. By advocating for the establishment of a committee, it seeks to not only gather data about current instances of students being denied meals but also to assess the financial burden of unpaid meal debts on school authorities. The bill inherits the broader objective of developing a framework for providing equitable access to nutrition for all students and potentially implementing the federal Community Eligibility Provision, which allows schools to serve free meals to all enrolled students without individual applications.

Summary

Senate Resolution 154 aims to encourage the Louisiana Department of Education to form a committee tasked with developing methods to ensure that every student receives a meal at school, irrespective of their ability to pay. The resolution underscores the importance of addressing food insecurity among students, particularly in a state like Louisiana, where poverty rates are notably high. It aims to eliminate the financial stigma associated with unpaid meals, emphasizing that no student should face humiliation or reduced meal quality due to their family's financial situation.

Sentiment

General sentiment regarding SR154 is expected to be supportive, particularly among advocates for children's welfare and education. The resolution reflects a compassionate stance towards ensuring that no child goes hungry at school, which resonates with many educators, parents, and community leaders. The initiative is likely to garner broad support as it aligns with values of equity and community responsibility to support students in need, while also addressing financial concerns faced by school districts regarding unpaid meal debts.

Contention

While the resolution advocates for positive change, there are potential points of contention that may arise during discussions. Issues may include the identification of reliable funding sources to support these efforts, the possible administrative burden on schools and districts in implementing new meal policies, and varying opinions on how to effectively communicate policies related to meal debts to parents. Ensuring that the process is implemented smoothly and that all stakeholders are heard will be critical to the successful adoption of the committee's eventual recommendations.