We Support H-7403 and S-2347 — Universal School Breakfast Legislation

This legislation will eliminate barriers to participation in the school breakfast program and add revenue to the local economy by stretching family budgets. Specifically, the legislation stipulates that:

“All public schools in which 40% of the children are eligible for free or reduced price meals shall offer universal breakfast in their schools, beginning September 2008.”

This means an additional 19 public schools, and the families of all 4,223 enrolled students attending these "severe needs" schools (as defined by the Federal School Lunch Program) will benefit.

The School Breakfast Coalition

The School Breakfast Coalition provides resources and support to help in this effort. At their website, you can also view the video testimony of school nurses, social workers and other community leaders touting the benefits of universal school breakfast programs such as:

• improved student behavior
• reduced school nurse visits
• less tardiness
• improved ability of students to focus during the school day

All these benefits accrue just by providing proper nutrition at the start of each school day for the students of Rhode Island's neediest families.

Study shows that the children of families who participate in Low-Income Heating Energy Assistance Programs experience better health and improved nutrition. (.pdf file)

Hunger in Rhode Island — 2007 (.pdf file)
A report produced by The Rhode Island Community Food Bank to document the extent of food insecurity and hunger in the state.

To work with us, please call us at (401) 728-5555.