TRENTON – The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee has taken a significant step in supporting working families by advancing legislation sponsored by Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin. The proposed legislation aims to gradually expand the state’s free school lunch program until it applies to all students in New Jersey.
“We have taken various steps over the last several years to expand New Jersey’s free school meals program, and this legislation will finally put us on track to make universal free school lunch a reality,” said Majority Leader Ruiz (D-Essex). “I am grateful to have had Speaker Coughlin as a partner in these efforts, and I look forward to seeing the impact this has on families around the state. We know our children learn better when their bellies are full, and this measure will ensure everyone can eat lunch, no questions asked.”
The bill, S-3956/A-5573, proposes a gradual expansion of eligibility for the subsidized school lunch program over a five-year period, ultimately making all students eligible regardless of income or federal eligibility.
“With this legislation, we are combatting the hunger crisis impacting our communities by creating a clear path to provide every child in New Jersey with the option of a free and nutritious lunch,” said Speaker Coughlin (D-Middlesex). “Universal free school lunch keeps money in the pockets of New Jersey families, and it helps overcome the stigma attached to free or reduced-price school meals. By expanding access, we can ensure every student eats during the school day.”
In addition to the school year, all students who become newly eligible for free school lunch would also be eligible to receive free lunches through a summer meals program or an emergency meals distribution program.
Under the proposed legislation, the State would be required to provide funding to reimburse school districts for the cost of providing free lunch to state-eligible students who are currently ineligible under the National School Lunch Program or federal School Breakfast Program.
The legislation will now move to the full Senate for consideration.