Healthy Hunger-Free Schools
The purpose of the Health, Hunger-Free Schools program is to ensure all students have access to free nutritious options at school, while they are developing life-long eating habits. This initiative looks to support all students in Minnesota in achieving their potential. The program also looks to protect students from the stigma associated with being singled out for receiving free school meals. By having all students receive free meals, no student will need to be singled out or shamed for receiving this benefit.
Efforts at the Legislature
Federal Efforts:
Congress is currently considering whether to include an investment in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) in the final Build Back Better Act, an important provision that allows high poverty schools and districts to offer breakfast and lunch to all students at no charge.
Take action below to urge your members of Congress to invest in CEP.
State Efforts:
The HHFS campaign introduced a bill (HF 1729) that looked to:
- Require all schools participating in the National School Lunch Program to provide breakfast and lunch to all children at no cost to them.
- Maximize federal reimbursements including Free and Reduced-Price Lunch and the Community Eligibility Provision.
- Require eligible schools to participate in the Community Eligibility Provision and provides additional state resources to fully fund school meals for the children not covered by this provision.
Organizations Supporting the HHFS Campaign
Lead partners include Allina Health, American Diabetes Association, Appetite for Change, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Children’s Minnesota, Ed Allies, Education Minnesota, Every Meal, Food Research and Action Center, General Mills, Hunger Solutions Minnesota, MAZON, Minnesota Farmers Union, Minnesota Legal Aid, Minnesota School Social Workers Association, Second Harvest Heartland, Share Our Strength, The Food Group, Twin Cities Medical Society, and YouthPrise.
HHFS Campaign Launch
The Healthy Hunger-Free Launch campaign launched Tuesday, March 16th, 2021. Speakers included: Colleen Moriarty, Executive Director for Hunger Solutions Minnesota; Jenna Carter, Public Affairs and Government Relations Manager, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of MN; Dr. Mar Steffen, Chief Medical Officer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of MN; Rep. Sydney Jordan, Chief Author, House; and multiple other voices.
Healthy Hunger-Free Campaign Launch Press Release
Resources
Healthy, Hunger-Free Schools Campaign Opportunities for Engagement
Healthy Hunger-Free Schools Campaign One Pager
Follow us!
For more information contact Leah Gardner, lgardner@hungersolutions.org, 651-789-9850