This legislation will help address many of the root causes and adverse impacts of unpaid school meal debt by encouraging expanded access to free school meals for higher-need communities and limiting student involvement in debt collection policies. Project Bread applauds this important step forward.
“Passage of this legislation by the Senate is a critical step in the fight against childhood hunger in our state,” said Erin McAleer, President and CEO of Project Bread, the statewide nonprofit partner of the Department of Education working to prevent childhood hunger. “Hungry students cannot learn. And no child should bear the stress of unpaid meal debt at school. By addressing the systemic barriers, we encourage a more equitable school meal system for all of our children.”
Project Bread thanks bill sponsor Senator Creem, and Senate leadership including Education Chair Lewis, Ways and Means Chair Rodrigues, and Senate President Spilka for their leadership and advocacy on behalf of Massachusetts students. We were proud to partner with Mass Law Reform Institute and the No Student Hungry coalition on this effort and look forward to final passage of this legislation, and working with school districts on implementation.