Oklahoma Superintendent Mandates Free Student Meals Statewide

Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters has mandated that all public school districts fully fund free student meals using existing state and federal funds starting in the 2025-26 school year, aiming to alleviate the $42 million families paid last year for meals. Walters criticized administrative spending, calling for reductions in bureaucratic positions and reallocating funds directly to students, warning noncompliant districts of audits, funding withholding, or accreditation penalties. The mandate also includes restrictions on serving ultra-processed snacks, sugary drinks, certain food dyes, processed meats, seed oils, and foods grown with pesticides like glyphosate. This directive has raised legal questions since no state law requires free meals for all students nor authorizes the State Department of Education to enforce such sanctions, with local school boards retaining budget authority. Additionally, Oklahoma City Public Schools are providing free hot meals at multiple locations during summer, emphasizing nutritional value and incorporating locally grown vegetables to educate children about food and nutrition. Walters framed the policy as essential to stop the “triple taxation” of families and to prioritize students’ needs over administrative perks.