Child food insecurity in Oregon is rising.
In 2022, 13% of Oregon’s children experienced food insecurity. The rate is 2-3x higher for Black, Latinx, and Indigenous children. Right now, the child poverty rate is skyrocketing as pandemic supports are cut.
Adequate nutrition is a precursor to success in schools.
Students who participate in school meals have improved attendance, and academic achievement as well as decreased tardiness. Like transportation, internet access, and proper hydration, food is required for learning.
Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon is convening a coalition of school and community leaders, teachers and cafeteria workers, parents, students, food producers, and other advocates to secure a values-aligned, universal school meal program for Oregon.
With the passage of the Student Success Act in 2019, Oregon was a leader in addressing child hunger and nutrition through school meals. The pandemic proved that universal school meal policies were overwhelmingly popular, simple, and achievable. As of March 2024, nine other states have passed Universal School Meals for All policies. Oregon can once more be a leader with the success of a comprehensive Healthy School Meals for All campaign.