Audrey Carrel

HB665 would increase eligibility for free school lunches to families at up to 300% of the federal poverty level. Currently, free and reduced-price meals in New Hampshire are capped at 185% of the poverty level, or $55,500 of combined income for a family of four, under the Federal lunch program. The state government would pick up the additional cost between 185% and 300% of the federal poverty level. The threshold to qualify for school vouchers is higher - 350% of the federal poverty level, equal to $109,200 for a family of four. If the money is there to totally remove any income caps on vouchers, as is being pushed by Republican legislators, it should certainly be there for children who have food insecurity. Students learn better when they are eating well. Numerous studies show that adequate nutrition supports better learning, as well as physical and mental health.