News Release

Washington, DC – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo is taking another step to improve school lunches by seeking funding to offer lunches at no cost to the students of qualifying families under a proposed pilot program. Crapo joined with Senator Elizabeth Dole (R-North Carolina) to ask Senate appropriators to fully fund the Elimination of Reduced-Price Lunches Pilot Program at $29 million.

If agreed to, the pilot program would allow the U.S. Department of Agriculture to select five states to participate in the pilot program. The end result could be more children will qualify for free lunches depending on family income guidelines.

“Children who go hungry may have a harder time learning,” Crapo said. “This program would help students remain alert and attentive throughout the school day by providing them with the nutrition they need to succeed in their studies.”

Crapo earlier sought and won inclusion of Idaho in another program that places fresh fruits and vegetables as a healthy snack in schools. Idaho is one of the 14 states currently participating in the program. It is bringing the produce to 25 schools in Idaho selected by the Idaho Department of Education.

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