The Delaware legislature is once again debating whether to expand eligibility for free school meals or fund universal school meals entirely. Last legislative session, a bill that would have covered the cost of school meals for all children failed due to its $40 million fiscal note. Instead, a compromise bill was passed to expand the current free school meal program to those who qualify for reduced price meals, costing the state an extra $250,000 annually.
State Rep. Sherae’a Moore has refiled the universal free school meal legislation, despite concerns about funding. House Education and Joint Finance Committee Chair Kim Williams emphasized that the state does not have the money to cover the cost of universal free meals, especially if federal GOP lawmakers propose cuts to the Community Eligibility Program (CEP) that funds free school meals for families in need.
Williams also introduced a bill to expand eligibility for free meals to those at or below 225% of the federal poverty level, while Moore feels that this is still not enough and raised concerns about students losing access to school meals if the CEP program is cut. Despite debate and efforts to table the legislation, the bill was released from committee with conditional support from some representatives.
All bills with fiscal notes remain on hold until more funding certainty is established in the coming months. The debate over free school meals in Delaware continues as legislators consider the best way to ensure that all children have access to nutritious meals at school.
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