$80M in Pennsylvania school meal debt could be erased

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — School meal debt for students in Pennsylvania is nearly $80 million and could be erased with new legislation.

The legislation was introduced to the education committee on Monday, June 24, by Rep. Emily Kinkead (D-Allegheny County). It would wipe out school meal debt across the Commonwealth and introduce a free meal program in public schools.

In a memor andum for co-sponsorship, Kinkead states numerous studies show the effects of nutritious meals on education. Students can focus and are better able to retain the knowledge compared to hungry students.

“Eliminating school lunch debt would allow children in poverty to have access to consistent nutritious meals that they may not otherwise be able to receive at home, improving their future health,” Kinkead said.

Eight states have made school lunches free for students but Pennsylvania isn’t one of them, the Pennsylvania Cancel Lunch Debt Coalition said. While the federal government runs a free lunch program, many families make too much money annually to qualify and still can’t afford daily school lunches.

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“No child in this commonwealth should have to go hungry or feel the shame and embarrassment for not being able to afford a school meal,” Kinkead added.

On June 26, the bill — known as HB 2180 — was placed on the house floor for a vote.

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