TIGARD, Ore. — The Oregon Legislature has designated more than $100 million for expanded school nutrition programs through next year, but 65 schools in the state still don't have universal free meals for students.
Oregon state Rep. Courtney Neron, the chief sponsor of the proposed "School Meals for All" legislation, joined a coalition of supporters at Durham Elementary School in Tigard Monday to explain the importance of providing meals to all students, even those from wealthier school districts.
"Some of our school districts that may have a higher level of affluence, potentially, are the school districts that students experience the most extreme stigma," said Neron. "We need a system that builds community."
A plate of fresh fruit, pancakes and a cup of yogurt were on the menu Monday as Durham students squeezed in time between classes for an early lunch.
High school student Sophia "G," who supports the expansion of free meals to all students, serves on the Hillsboro Youth Advisory Council. She said she takes advantage of the free breakfasts after her morning jazz band practice.
"We didn't always have free lunch in Hillsboro," she said, "and starting the meals created a calmer environment in my school that set-up me, and my peers, for success."
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According to the coalition, nearly 1,200 public schools in Oregon now offer free meals to all students. Supporters hope Oregon will soon expand that program to the final 65 schools, but some Republican lawmakers have questioned why free meals are necessary for less-needy schools.
"Nutrition is core for students to grow and thrive," said Rep. Neron, referencing the push to get more Oregon Republican lawmakers to back the legislation. "So, it's my hope we have widespread support, and I'll be making the case that this is not a party issue."
Neron said the strategic plan maximizes federal reimbursements with a 3-to-1 federal match to lighten the load for Oregon taxpayers.
Tigard-Tualatin school administrators also defend the expansion.
"Even though we talk about schools that may be a higher social economic status," said Jarvis Lopes, the operations administer for the Tigard-Tualatin School District, "they still have students that are in need, and those students should have the ability to access free meals, as well."
Gomez said he's seen a huge need in the year since Tigard-Tualatin began offering free breakfasts and lunches.
“We're offering more than 1,500 meals more a day than we did last year," he said.
The coalition is also proposing investments in the quality of school-cooked meals and the total elimination of school meal debts, which have been known to reach as high as $800 for some families.