News

WV Senate Passes Bill For Free School Lunches

By:
Posted on:

< < Back to wv-senate-passes-bill-free-school-lunches

West Virginia is trying to be the first state in the nation to give free breakfast and lunch to every child in the state's schools, kindergarten through 12th grade.

The state Senate unanimously passed a bill Friday that would create public-private partnerships to fund the expanded lunches. The bill also attempts to increase participation in the current meal programs which would bring the state more federal funding.

Every county board of education will set up foundations to solicit private donations. The bill stipulates that every dollar in donations must be used to buy food, not for administrative purposes. As money becomes available, free meals will be provided for every elementary school child with hopes that the program can be expanded to all students.

No additional state funds will be used.