More than 80 students, education and community leaders, and legislators from across the state shared testimony yesterday in support of HB 3435, School Meals for All. The legislation, which would extend free breakfast and lunch to every public school in Oregon, has strong bipartisan support and no testimony in opposition.
Rep. Cyrus Javadi (R) – HD 32, shared his experience as a student who often didn’t have money to buy school lunch. “I learned quickly how to act like I wasn’t hungry,” he said.
“The reality is kids don’t get to pick their home situation,” Javadi continued. “They don’t get to pick if their parents can keep up with meal payments or whether there is enough in the fridge. But we as legislators do get to pick whether they eat at school… It’s time to take the guesswork out of school meals. No more lunch debts, no more lunch shaming, no more kids pretending they aren’t hungry.”
The hearing featured many students and school employees sharing the need for School Meals for All, and the positive impacts they see in schools where it has been implemented.
“At school, there are many moments where I recall feeling tired and low-energized whenever I missed breakfast or skipped lunch,” shared Aleida R., student at Woodburn High School. “It is truly difficult to concentrate on an empty stomach, which makes it even harder for us students to learn.”
Recent polling underscores the widespread public backing for School Meals for All, finding that eight in ten Oregon voters support the bill. This strong endorsement from the public and legislators alike highlights the urgent need to fund and expand access to school meals, ensuring no child goes hungry during the school day.
“The response from Oregonians could not be clearer—families, educators, and advocates all agree that no student should have to learn on an empty stomach,” said David Wieland, coalition lead at Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon. “The fact that we have bipartisan support and zero opposition testimony speaks volumes about the necessity and broad appeal of no-cost school meals.”
The budget needs for HB 3435 fall within what is already allotted for the current service level for universal meal programs.
Multiple speakers emphasized the data-backed benefits of universal school meals programs, such as improving health and academic outcomes, reducing stigma, and improving disciplinary rates.
“No child should be hungry at school,” says Wieland. “It’s a simple premise that has inspired legislators and community leaders for decades in Oregon. And now, this year, we are running towards the finish line.”
“There are a thousand reasons why a student might miss a meal during the school day,” he continued. “None of those are acceptable. None of their impacts are acceptable.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
Sophia G, high school student: “School meals are more than a bag of carrots and a hot meal – they’re a symbol of support and stability for students of all backgrounds.”
Christina Bodamer, American Heart Association: “[School meals] promote good nutrition. Students who eat school lunches take in more whole grains, vegetables and dairy, and fewer refined sugars and empty calories.”
Loren Naldoza, Oregon Food Bank: “In states that have implemented universal school meals there have been no shortage of benefits for students. We’ve seen higher academic achievement, overall attendance improves, improvement in nutrition, physical mental and emotional health, and of course reduced rates of food insecurity. Oregon has a critical role to play in supporting the health and education of our children.”