A bill introduced by Senator Justin Alfond (D-Portland) that seeks to feed hungry children during the summer months passed unanimously in the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee. The legislation targets students who qualify for free or reduced lunch during the school year and would provide a program in their school district for them to be fed.
“Hunger is a twelve month problem,†said Sen. Alfond “not just a school-year problem.â€
Maine ranks second in the country for “very low food security.†Food insecurity means that a family or individual experiences hunger. According to the Maine Department of Education’s Child Nutrition 2011 Report, nearly 45% of all Maine students qualify for a free or reduced lunch.
Alfond noted during the work session that in York and Cumberland Counties alone, there are more than 10,000 students who are dropped from their school food programing during the summertime. Currently, it’s estimated that only 18% of the eligible students in Maine are fed in the summer through the existing 70 summer food programs offered in the state. Many of these programs are administered by non-profits or through a partnership between a school district and a sponsor.
“It is not often we are able to pass legislation that will simultaneously increase both academic performance and the physical well being of students. This one does both.â€
An Act to End Hunger, also known as LD 860 will next go to the House and Senate for a vote. For more information on LD 860, click here.