Delaware Provides Free School Meals for Students
WILMINGTON, Del. – Next school year, public school students will have brighter smiles and fuller stomachs, thanks to new legislation providing Delaware free school meals. The initiative will make both breakfast and lunch available at no charge to any student who qualifies for reduced-priced meals. On Tuesday, Governor John Carney signed House Substitute 2 for House Bill 125 to take effect this coming school year.
Free School Meals Make a Difference
Educators and nutritionists are confident that providing free school meals is a crucial step in a more positive student environment. The 2023 Delaware Department of Education report indicated a statewide decline in SAT scores and English language arts skills (ELA) for grades 3-8. Only 40% of students in grades 3-8 scored at or above proficiency in ELA, and only 44% of high school students were proficient or higher in SAT reading. State Representative Sherae “Rae” Moore, who is also an educator, noted that to raise the state’s academic scores, schools need to focus on nutrition.
“We can’t educate students if they’re hungry in the classroom,” said Jessica Farrand, Nutrition Services Director. Leading by example, the Red Clay School District provides free meals for eligible students. Because of the overwhelming support in the House and the Senate, Governor Carney was eager to sign the bill to help students in the state. Accordingly, the Delaware Department of Education estimates that around 2,500 students will be eligible to receive free school meals through this bill. “Foundationally, there’s nothing more important than making sure our young children can perform and can learn. The future of our state depends on it,” stated Governor Carney.
For more information on the initiative and eligibility, visit the Delaware Department of Education resources page.
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