Tricia Labelle

Dear Members of the House Education Funding Committee, Hello, my name is Tricia, I am a working single parent and someone who would directly benefit by HB665. Expanding eligibility for free and reduced meals to 300% of the Federal Poverty Level is crucial in ensuring all students have access to nutritious meals, regardless of their family's income. Many families who fall just above the current threshold still struggle to make ends meet, and increasing the eligibility would help bridge that gap. Often times families like mine have to make the choice to pay utilities and rent or to put that money towards groceries and the easiest expense to eliminate is food. The current guidelines do not accurately show the families who are in need. These are families like mine and my neighbors who are working for a modest income, and cannot afford basic needs. The current guidelines only allow a family of 2 like myself to earn just over 39 thousand dollars per year to qualify for a reduced price meal. I do not know anyone paying less than a 2 thousand dollar a month rent in any part of the State. This income eligibility if far too low to be able to pay for school meals and pay monthly expenses. These current income guidelines restrict and prohibit families to access proper nutrition for school aged children. Providing more students with access to these meals not only supports their health and well-being but also helps them succeed academically by reducing food insecurity in the school. Children can not learn when they are hungry and HB665 would substantially improve access to children experiencing food insecurity. Please support this bill and help families by increasing these outdated financial restrictions. Thank you, Tricia Labelle 82 Osprey Dr. Portsmouth, NH 03801