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.
Requires schools to universally provide free meals to all students, regardless of whether students are federally eligible for free or reduced price meals.
Requires schools to universally provide free meals to all students, regardless of whether students are federally eligible for free or reduced price meals.
Requires schools to universally provide free meals to all students, regardless of whether students are federally eligible for free or reduced price meals.
Requests the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to create a task force to study issues and develop a plan relative to quality after-school and expanded learning programs for students
Requires schools and nonpublic schools with lunch programs to provide free lunch to increasing numbers of income-eligible students and, after five-year phase-in, to provide free lunch to all students, regardless of income or federal eligibility.
Requests the state Department of Education to re-create a commission to study and make recommendations relative to improving reading proficiency for certain students
Urges and requests the Louisiana Department of Health and other parties to study jointly the language in the Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 648