Federal bill aims to keep kids fed during school disruptions

A new bill introduced by U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) would make sure kids across the country stay fed during school disruptions.

The School Meals During School Closures Act would allow the Secretary of Agriculture to grant waivers to any state or service provider allowing them to keep providing free and reduced-price meals to students during a variety of disruptions, such as strikes and inclement weather.

The bill is co-led by Reps. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.).

“No student should have to go a day struggling with hunger in the United States of America,” Omar said in a statement. “As a former nutrition educator and someone who has experienced hunger myself, I believe that every student deserves access to healthy and nutritious meals, regardless of their circumstances. The increase in extreme weather events in my home state of Minnesota this winter makes it more important than ever that we feed our kids—even if school is closed. And as someone who believes in the power of organized labor and the right to strike, I also understand the importance of supporting workers and their families during these challenging times.”

In the past, Omar has introduced legislation to keep students fed during pandemic closures, and later, to provide them with universal free meals.