Congress Plans to Cut Free Meal Programs
What Are the Changes?
The new plan makes it harder for schools to get free meal funding. The changes include:
Adevertisement
- Raising the CEP eligibility requirement from 25% to 60%.
- Requiring families to show proof of income.
- Removing 666 schools in 205 Pennsylvania districts from the program.
How Will Erie Schools Be Affected?
Many Erie-area schools might lose free lunch funding. Here’s how it affects them:
Adevertisement
- Erie School District: Still may qualify, but rules could change.
- Corry Area School District: Only Corry Area Primary School will qualify.
- Fort LeBoeuf School District: All schools will lose free meals.
- General McLane School District: Will lose free meal funding completely.
- Girard School District: All schools will be removed from the program.
- Iroquois School District: Only Iroquois Elementary will qualify.
- Northwestern School District: Will lose free meals for all students.
- Union City Area School District: Union City High School will no longer qualify.
- Wattsburg Area School District: All schools will lose free meals.
In total, about 8,853 students could lose free lunches, not counting 619 students from North East Elementary, whose status is unclear.
Adevertisement
Why Does This Matter?
Teachers and school leaders say this will hurt students. Grocery prices are high, and many families may struggle with paperwork. Superintendent David Koma from Girard School District said hungry students will have trouble learning and behaving in school.
Why Cut the Budget?
Supporters of the budget cuts say the government needs to save money. They believe cutting spending will help the economy. The plan could save $12 billion over ten years.
Will Pennsylvania Help?
Pennsylvania has been giving free breakfasts to all students since 2022. This means students will still get at least one free meal per day.
What Happens Next?
If the Senate approves the cuts, schools will need new plans. Some may start charging for meals, and others may try different funding options. General McLane Superintendent Matt Lane said, “This change will hurt kids and families.”
Also Read: SprayDays California: New System Sends Pesticide Alerts & Tracks Applications
What Can Families and Schools Do?
Parents and teachers can fight against these cuts by:
- Calling local representatives.
- Spreading the word about the issue.
- Looking for new ways to fund school meals.
If these cuts happen, many Erie County students will lose free meals, making life harder for families already struggling.
Take Action
Stay informed about school meal program changes. Share your concerns, and contact your local representatives. For updates, subscribe to our newsletter.