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JD, Usha Vance visit Greenland as Trump administration eyes territory; Maine nurses, medical workers call for improved staffing ratios; Court orders WA to rewrite CAFO dairy operation permit regulations; MS aims to expand Fresh Start Act to cut recidivism.

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The Dept. of Health and Human Services prepares to cut 10,000 more jobs. Election officials are unsure if a Trump executive order will be enacted, and Republicans in Congress say they aim to cut NPR and PBS funding.

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Rural folks face significant clean air and water risks due to EPA cutbacks, a group of policymakers is working to expand rural health care via mobile clinics, and a new study maps Montana's news landscape.

Bill extending free food to all OR public schools has broad support

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Wednesday, February 19, 2025   

New legislation that would ensure every Oregon public school student has access to free breakfast and lunch has widespread, bipartisan support.

A recent poll shows more than 80% of Oregon voters support the bill. Currently, 1 in 6 children in Oregon is facing hunger and food insecurity.

Auveen S. is a junior at Lake Oswego High School and a youth advisory leader with the School Meals for All Coalition.

She said while her school doesn't qualify for universal school meals, she still notices that some of her classmates might not have enough food during the day.

"And as a student, I know firsthand how important food is to academic success," she said. "No one can learn on an empty stomach and it's difficult to focus when your stomach is growling."

While most public schools in Oregon already provide free breakfast and lunch to all students, the bill would extend those meals to tens of thousands who still go without.

David Wieland, a policy advocate with Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon, said the program especially benefits low-income students who can face stigma and bullying for receiving free meals.

He pointed to research showing that when meals are free for all students, suspension rates drop.

Wieland added that this bill is the conclusion of decades of advocacy work, and the funds are already in place to make it happen.

"We're not going to say that kids have to pay for their textbooks or have to pay to take the bus," said Wieland. "Why would we do the same with the basic food that they need to function during the school day?"

Data from Oregon State University shows that hunger rates in the state have risen significantly in recent years, with an additional 65,000 people facing food insecurity each year.

The data also shows that communities of color in Oregon experience hunger at twice the rate of white residents. The coalition says School Meals for All saves families about $1,400 annually per student.

The bill is currently in the Oregon house education committee.




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