Ohio Coalition Seeks $300M for Universal School Meals

A coalition of advocates, including major organizations such as CVS Pharmacy and Kroger, is urging Ohio lawmakers to allocate $300 million in the state budget for universal free school meals. This initiative, which would provide breakfast and lunch for all students, is being championed by the Hunger-Free Schools Ohio group, which argues that well-fed students perform better academically. High school students have rallied at the Ohio Statehouse, sharing personal stories of food insecurity and the importance of school meals. While the proposed funding represents about 2.5% of the state's education budget, concerns have been raised by Gov. Mike DeWine's office regarding the cost, particularly without federal assistance. Advocates are open to a compromise that would fund only universal breakfasts, which would lower the annual cost by $50 million. The debate comes amid budget cuts to traditional public schools, raising questions about state priorities in education funding.