WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

House Continues Focus on Healthy Children by Passing Breakfast After the Bell

OLYMPIA – Because House Democrats know hungry kids don’t learn, they led the way in passing HB 1295 Breakfast After the Bell with a bipartisan vote of 65-33. Rep. Zack Hudgins, D-Tukwila, was the prime sponsor.

“Giving a nutritious breakfast to a poor kid in the classroom expands on existing programs and funding,” said Rep. Hudgins. “It makes sense for the kids, for their peers, and for better outcomes in our schools which we are working towards fully funding.”

“These programs already exist in districts like Tukwila, and now kids across the state can start the day ready to learn instead of being distracted by a growling stomach,” Hudgins added.

Every study done on the issue concludes that hungry students do not achieve the same level of academic success as those who eat healthy meals for breakfast. As poverty and homelessness among children has increased, so has the number of students who go without meals in the morning. Breakfast After the Bell offers nutritious meals for all students without interrupting instructional time. Breakfast programs for low income children are reimbursed in part or full by the federal government, and currently only have a 17% utilization rate in our state. Breakfast after the Bell is expected to increase participation in those existing programs. By moving breakfast after the bell, instead of before, we make sure everyone receives a meal without having to stand in line and miss instructional opportunities.

The bill will now go to the Senate for its consideration.