SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Today, the Minnesota House passed HF 5, the Universal School Meals bill, to provide school breakfast and lunch to all Minnesota students at no cost, regardless of their family income. Rep. Kaela Berg (DFL - Burnsville) co-authored and voted for the legislation. The bill passed on a vote of 70-58.
“In Minnesota, we value education and want every child to succeed, but we know children can’t learn on empty stomachs,” Rep. Berg said. “One in six students is trying to learn without breakfast or lunch. With the budget surplus, we have the resources to address the food insecurity our students are facing, and to provide the meals our kids need to be successful in the classroom.”
The bill has garnered support from teachers, food service workers, school board members, parents, and organizations fighting hunger. The Senate’s companion bill is being passed through its committees, and Gov. Walz has signaled he will sign it into law.
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