On March 25th, Jennifer Burke, Communications & Outreach Manager at the Maine Credit Union League, testified before the Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs in support of L.D. 359, “An Act To Address Student Hunger with a “Breakfast after the Bell” Program” sponsored by Senator Marianne Moore (R-Washington).

This bill was introduced to improve access to breakfast for students in schools. Schools with high percentages of students eligible for free or reduced lunch have the opportunity to offer breakfast to all students removing the stigma associated with meals provided at school.

Additionally, this bill creates a program where students do not have to arrive early at school or choose between eating breakfast and socializing with their friends. The bill is adaptable for communities who do not find it to be a cost effective measure when feeding their students and provides guidance while maintaining local control.

“L.D. 359 won’t solve our hunger crisis, but it will move the needle by helping a vulnerable population, “said Jennifer Burke. “Given the magnitude and urgency of this problem, I wish we could sprint to the finish and address this issue with one simple solution; but it is a marathon.”