Bill passes in Utah to provide free meals for students in need

Utah lawmakers have passed a bill that will help students who are struggling with hunger. The bill was passed on Thursday and is seen as a big step in fighting hunger in the state. This bill, known as H.B. 100, will give free meals to many students who need them. The bill will provide free breakfasts and lunches to students who already qualify for reduced-price meals.

What H.B. 100 will do for students and families in Utah

H.B. 100, also called the “Food Security Amendments,” is focused on helping families who are just above the poverty line. These families often do not qualify for federal programs like SNAP or TANF, but still struggle to pay for food. The bill will help students from these families get free meals. According to Rep. Tyler Clancy, who sponsored the bill, the cost of healthy food has risen a lot since 2020. This bill will help make sure children do not go hungry, even if their families don’t receive government aid.

Why this bill is so important for Utah families

The bill will secure $2.5 million from Utah’s education budget. This money will help provide free meals to students from families who need it the most. These families are often called lower-middle class. They work hard but still face financial difficulties. Many of these families struggle with rising food costs. This bill will ease some of that burden by making sure their children have access to free, healthy meals at school.

The growing problem of hunger in Utah and how it affects students

Hunger is a serious issue in Utah. According to The Policy Project, one in six children in the state are hungry and need food assistance. This problem affects more than just their physical health. Hunger makes it hard for students to focus in school. It leads to lower grades and more struggles in the classroom. It also increases the chances of students dropping out. Mental health issues, like stress and anxiety, also rise when children don’t get enough food. The Policy Project believes that providing free meals to students will reduce these problems and help them succeed in school.

Supporters believe the bill will improve education and health

Rep. Clancy and the Policy Project both agree that this bill will improve the quality of life for many Utah children. The Policy Project’s founder, Emily Bell McCormick, said, “Hungry students cannot learn.” She believes this bill will help students do better in school and reduce long-term problems like mental health issues and high dropout rates. McCormick says that hungry children face many challenges, and giving them food will help them focus on their education.

The bill will also help reduce food waste in schools. Students will have more time to eat their meals. This will mean less food is thrown away. Often, students are rushed during lunchtime and don’t have enough time to finish their food. With more time to eat, they can enjoy their meals and waste less.

After passing through the legislature, H.B. 100 will now head to Governor Spencer Cox for approval. If he signs the bill, it will go into effect on July 1, 2025. This means the changes will be in place for the 2026-2027 school year. The bill is an important step in ensuring that all children in Utah have access to the meals they need to succeed.