Bi-partisan legislation to ease school lunch costs for students

FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) – A bi-partisan group of state lawmakers announced on Friday their intention to file legislation for the 2025 General Assembly that would financially help many school districts with their meal costs, while increasing use of locally grown food in those meals.

“The Kentucky Proud School Match Program would make farm-to-table more of a reality in our school lunchrooms and have the state becoming a bigger financial partner,” said Rep. Chad Aull, D-Lexington. “I see it as a win-win situation for everyone involved, and as the new school year gets underway, now is the ideal time to make people more aware of what we’re hoping to do.  Based on feedback we got from our legislative colleagues earlier this year, I am convinced this bill has a great chance of becoming law in 2025. As someone who grew up on a farm in Western Kentucky, nothing would make me happier.”

Under their legislation, and as funding is available, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture would supplement local and federal funds used by schools enrolled in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program.

“I’m looking forward to continuing this conversation as session approaches,” said Rep. McPherson, R-Scottsville. “We know this program benefits both our children and our ag economy. Increasing the state’s investment will return even greater results, particularly with rising costs due to inflation and federal pandemic relief funds coming to an end.”

Kentucky was among the first 10 states to take part in CEP after Congress first authorized it in 2010, and now more than 500,000 students across the state, and 20 million across the country, take advantage of it every school day.  CEP eligibility is income-based, and multiple schools within a district can participate if eligibility requirements are met. This means every student in an enrolled school eats at no cost to his or her family.

“Ensuring every child has access to nutritious meals is more than a matter of public policy; it’s a moral responsibility," said Sen. Cassie Chambers Armstrong, D-Louisville. “This bill creates a sustainable model where local farmers become integral contributors to our children's daily nutrition. This initiative serves as a catalyst for stronger community connections and is a step toward building a healthier, hunger-free future for our students and a robust local economy for Kentucky’s farmers.”

Their legislation will be filed for consideration during the General Assembly’s 2025 Regular Session, which begins in early January.