Improve School Lunch Accessibility (Leg)

For the last several years LPPO has consistently advocated for broader access to school nutrition programs as one of our highest legislative priorities.  This year is no different.  We hope to build on last year's successful elimination of the reduced price co-payment ($.40) for K-3rd grade qualifying students by eliminating the co-payment for ALL qualifying students, pre-K through 12.  The complete elimination of the co-pay for school breakfast, and school lunch for K-3 over the last two years, has resulted in increased participation in these important hunger and nutrition programs.  By expanding the lunch co-payment elimination to cover pre-K through 12, it is projected that participation will increase by about 14,500 students per day or 2.6 million meals during the 08-09 school year!  This commitment to combating student hunger and improving student nutrition supports health, development, and education for all children.  For more information on school meals visit the Children's Alliance web site.

Take Action! 

To cover the cost of eliminating the co-payment for qualifying students pre-K and 4-12, the legislature will need to approve a supplemental budget request of approximately $4 million in its upcoming 2008 session.  In past alerts we asked you to contact the governor on this issue, now we are asking you to contact your senator and two state representatives in support of greater access to school meals.  Click the link below to send an email to them or give your representatives a call using the legislature's toll free number 1-800-562-6000! 

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Support Funding for School Meals

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

Please support $4 million to eliminate the 40 cent co-pay for pre-K and 4-12 students qualifying for "reduced-price" school lunches in the 2008 supplemental budget request. Hungry kids have difficulty learning and are not as healthy.

Past investments in eliminating the co-pay for school breakfast and K-3 school lunch programs have resulted in major increases in low-income students getting the nutrition they need to learn.

USDA research tells us that children who participate in School Lunch have superior nutritional intakes compared to those who do not participate. A well-nourished body makes for a well-nourished mind.

Please lend your support to make funding the elimination of the co-pay for the school lunch program a priority in this session's budget process!

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
January 22, 2008


Background Information

 

For the last several years LPPO has consistently advocated for broader access to school nutrition programs as one of our highest legislative priorities.  This year is no different.  We hope to build on last year's successful elimination of the reduced price co-payment ($.40) for K-3rd grade qualifying students by eliminating the co-payment for ALL qualifying students, pre-K through 12.  The complete elimination of the co-pay for school breakfast, and school lunch for K-3 over the last two years, has resulted in increased participation in these important hunger and nutrition programs.  By expanding the lunch co-payment elimination to cover pre-K through 12, it is projected that participation will increase by about 14,500 students per day or 2.6 million meals during the 08-09 school year!  This commitment to combating student hunger and improving student nutrition supports health, development, and education for all children.  For more information on school meals visit the Children's Alliance web site.

Take Action! 

To cover the cost of eliminating the co-payment for qualifying students pre-K and 4-12, the legislature will need to approve a supplemental budget request of approximately $4 million in its upcoming 2008 session.  In past alerts we asked you to contact the governor on this issue, now we are asking you to contact your senator and two state representatives in support of greater access to school meals.  Click the link below to send an email to them or give your representatives a call using the legislature's toll free number 1-800-562-6000!