ST. PAUL, Minn. – This Wednesday, a bill that would provide no-cost school breakfast and lunches to Minnesota public school students will be receiving its first hearing in the Education Policy Committee (SF 123). Leading this bill as the chief author in the Senate, Senator Heather Gustafson (DFL-Vadnais Heights), released the following statement:
“Many students across Minnesota are currently experiencing food insecurity and often go hungry during the school day because their families cannot afford school lunches. As a state that prides itself on offering an equitable world-class public school education to students all over, this is simply unacceptable. If a child has not had adequate access to food, their ability to participate in their education, regardless of how quality the education is, will be extremely hindered. This, in turn, further exacerbates socioeconomic disparities in public education. Furthermore, it simply lacks the dignity and compassion I know we are capable of.
All of Minnesota’s children deserve a fighting chance at a high quality public school education and a high quality life where their basic needs are met. This bill moves us forward in providing the equitable world-class education Minnesota is striving toward.”
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Learn more about Sen. Gustafson.
