City Council supports access to free school meals

According to Project Bread, food insecurity has increased from 1 in 10 children to 1 in 5 households with children in Massachusetts.

During this week’s Council meeting, the Council adopted a resolution in support of SD.519 and HD.1161: An Act Relative to Universal School Meals.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further increased the gaps and barriers around food access and has impacted families, specifically low-income and communities of color.

Senator Sal DiDomenico and Representative Andy Vargas have filed legislation that would make school breakfast and lunch meals universally free a reality.

This is a critical step towards ending childhood hunger in Massachusetts; and Project Bread has partnered with anti-hunger advocacy groups and organizations to launch the Feed Kids Campaign.

According to Project Bread, food insecurity has increased from 1 in 10 children to 1 in 5 households with children in Massachusetts. Research has proven that children who are well fed are able to perform better academically. Removing existing barriers to food access can also help remove the stigma around food insecurity.

This week, the Council went on record in support of Massachusetts Bills SD.519 and HD.1161 to ensure that all students across the state of Massachusetts have access to free meals at school.