With recent budget cuts in the state of Washington, many schools have undergone some changes. The decrease in funding for schools in Pullman as well as other schools around the state have resulted to cuts programs. House Bill 1416 brings up the issue of free and reduced lunches in elementary schools.
Legislature’s goal is to make sure that the current commitment to feed low-income students in public schools. House Bill 1416 also discusses its goal to provide free lunches to all low-income students of every grade. If the legislature does not pass House Bill 1416, then the result would be more money out of families’ pockets.
“This amendment would restrict the copay for elementary schools,” says Representative Pat Sullivan.
If the funding is approved the superintendent has the right to distribute the grants to increase input in school food programs.
Pullman School District Superintendent, Paul Sturm, believes that health care and education are strong competitors for funding in the school system.
“I am personally in favor of children having nutritious food as it is clearly important for learning as well as the child's long-term health,” Sturm said. “If the bill is passed, the students who receive funding for reduced priced meals would be funded for full price reduction.”
According to Sturm, 30 percent of students qualify for free and reduced lunch. “If the bill is passed it would make a difference for some families who may be making difficult choices between a full lunch for their child and other financial consideration,” Sturm said.
Carol Troll, the food services supervisor for the Pullman School District believes that the school food budget for free and reduced lunch will not get taken out. “If districts have to make cuts in their budgets, some of them may be made in child nutrition programs (such as fewer choices, less labor hours etc.), ”Troll said.
In some areas where reduced lunch is less prominent, the budget does not affect the school and the students. “We have received increased funding for this every year for the past 27 years,” Troll said. “Washington State has one of the best programs in the nation as our state legislature has passed funding for reduced breakfasts (eliminating the parent co-pay) and also pays for reduced lunches.”
It is important for families to understand the importance of making sure their children are getting the proper food and nutrition in school. Low-income families, who already use food banks as a source, will have even more trouble providing for their family.
Sue Pitts, mother, is one of the many whose child qualifies for the free/reduced lunch program. Pitts explained that the lowering of the school’s budget
food for children will have a negative effect on more people than just the
children.
“If legislature cuts the budget for our children and their food, it could also cut the hours of work the cafeteria workers get, increase the spending of families who qualify for the program, and increase the stress of families who can’t afford the school’s food bill,” Pitts said.
House Bill 1416 has already been presented in front of the House Education Committee earlier in February. Currently has been reported out with due pass recommendation.
According to the fiscal note by the year 2015 the total amount of expenditures will come close to $3 million.
“You are not going to see any district eliminate their free and reduced program,” Troll said.
“To the extent this bill targets help to children whose families cannot provide for them, I support it,” Sturm said. “I believe most would agree that families should bear the responsibility to care for their children when possible, including providing them with food.”
House Bill 1416 is important to people who live in Eastern Washington as well as the rest of the state because with the way the economy is going, many of the schools in the state have had to cut some of their programs. This bill will make sure that schools provide free and/or reduced lunches as part of the budget. This will keep money in the pockets of families rather than taking it out.
Sources
Representative Pat Sullivan 47th Legislative District
(360) 786-7858
Pullman School District Superintendent Paul Sturm
(509) 332-3581
Carol Troll
Director, Food Services
Sue Pitts
Mother
5093221004
