We're excited to share some positive news out of the Ohio State Board of Education meeting on September 20th, where the Board approved a resolution to recommend that the General Assembly use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to provide 100% free breakfast and lunch to all Ohio Students.
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thumbnail_alt_text===kids in cafeteria
The resolution states, “In July, the Hunger-Free Schools Ohio coalition sent Governor DeWine a letter requesting action to continue to provide healthy school meals for all Ohio children. The coalition has over 35 community stakeholder member organizations such as the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Ohio Association of Foodbanks, ” and concludes “NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board recommends to the General Assembly the use of a portion of the remaining State and Local Fiscal Recovery funds allocated by the federal government through the American Rescue Plan to provide 100% free breakfast and lunch to all Ohio students.”
While this is fantastic news and we appreciate the work of the State Board of Education, we will still need the legislature to accept this recommendation in the upcoming Operating Budget bill. Please continue to watch your inbox for You're the Cure updates and action alerts on this issue and opportunities to join us in virtual meetings with lawmakers on this and other issues critical to improving health in the Buckeye State.
On behalf of your AHA Advocacy team, thank you for being an advocate for health!
With Heart,
Dustin Holfinger, Ohio Government Relations Director
American Heart Association
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