Shauna Judd

*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. *Recent data from the Food Research & Action Center shows that participation in free school meal programs reduces food insecurity, obesity rates, and poor health among participating students. *Access to school meals improves attendance rates, as well as student behavior. This not only leads to stronger student performance, but greater educational attainment over the long-term, boosting the financial health of our state. *Our support for the nutrition of Granite State children is an investment in our state's future workforce. *With rising food costs (only going to rise more with Trump's tariffs and other policies!), food insecurity is a real issue for many families. The managers of local food pantries and food banks across the state have seen sizable increases in need over the past few years. *A similar bill narrowly missed passing in the House last year. The House was deadlocked and the House Speaker Rep Packard (R) cast the deciding vote. Let's be vocal! *Many other states have even broader eligibility.