HB1574

We need to support ALL our students! Food is essential for both life and learning.

The American Federation of Teachers - NH supports this bill. It is a common sense solution for students on IEPs who are above age 21 but still attending public school. We have extended public school attendence eligibility until age 22 inclusive. If a student is attending school, and the family meets the income guidline, they should be able to get the free or reduced price meal. We need to make sure nutrition needs are met so the student is not districted by hunger and the cost of a meal is not an additional burden on the family.

New Hampshire hates children. This bill is a step in the right direction to actually support positive growth, health, and care for our children.

Support Testimony for HB 1574: Extending Free and Reduced Lunch Benefits HB 1574 seeks to authorize school districts to extend free and reduced-price meal benefits for special education students up to age 22, aiming to improve nutrition access for older students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). This initiative represents a significant advancement in supporting vulnerable student populations who often face barriers to essential nutrition. By addressing the specific needs of these students, the bill promotes equity and underscores the importance of ensuring that older special education students continue to receive vital support as they transition into adulthood. Oversight and Funding Clarity While the intent of HB 1574 is commendable, there are critical aspects concerning oversight and funding clarity that need to be addressed. The bill proposes state reimbursement for these extended meal benefits, yet it lacks detailed provisions for how these reimbursements will be funded and monitored. Without a clear financial framework, school districts may find themselves grappling with uncertainties that could complicate implementation. Adequate funding is essential to reinforce the benefits of this initiative, ensuring that schools can provide these meals without diverting resources from other critical services. Intersectional Framework and Equity Monitoring Furthermore, HB 1574 must incorporate a robust intersectional framework to effectively monitor equity in meal access among diverse student populations. It's vital that the implementation of this policy includes rigorous tracking of participation rates and the unique challenges faced by different demographic groups within special education. By ensuring that the extended benefits are responsive to the needs of students from various backgrounds—such as those from low-income households or marginalized communities—the bill can play a pivotal role in reinforcing not only nutritional access but also educational equity. Policymakers should commit to ongoing evaluation and adjustment to the program, fostering a supportive environment that meets the evolving needs of all students with IEPs.

Opposing this bill means to limit opportunities for children to have access to food. It is important that all children have the fuel they need to succeed in school, and this bill will be a step in the right direction to ensure New Hampshire's children are supported.

I am also a school board member. We need increases in state funding for special education. Special education families are already often under financial constraints; this would help them out immensely, reduce stress, and help insure their children are fed and in an optimal state of health and mind to learn.

I strongly support this bill.

Good nutrition is fundamental to good health. All children deserve a good lunch at school and we should care for all our children

This study is absolutely necessary if we are to save our state from irreparable harm. We cannot continue successfully with the revenue stream being so dependent on property tax and innumerable fees; the revenue from gaming has never been fulsome. I'm old enough to remember when the original State lottery was sold as THE answer to funding education. Yeah. Right.

I support the bill because it would provide lunches for children with special needs. Thank you for your consideration. Joanna Andros

Special Ed. students and families deserve every bit of help possible

Please make it easier for children to eat.

keep NH children, our children, nourished so they can learn and flourish!

The Members of the NH Council on Developmental Disabilities believe this will could have a positive effect on the NH disability community. Various studies have shown that children who are able to get an adequate amount of nutrients during their day perform better in school. Studies have also shown this to aid in better development physically, emotionally, and intellectually with all students.

I firmly support funding food for hungry school students of any age.

All children need to have access to free and reduced lunch benefits including special education students.