Fewer U.S. children may have access to free school meals this academic year due to changes from the Republicans’ tax-and-spending law, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA). Since its enactment, an estimated 4.5 million people, including 1.5 million children, have lost food stamp benefits, impacting school meal programs. Households losing their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are no longer automatically eligible for free school meals, and a reduction in SNAP recipients could disqualify school districts from the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which allows high-poverty schools to offer meals to all students without individual applications. An analysis indicates that approximately 18.3 million students could lose access to free meals, with families facing increased food costs. In Miami-Dade County, for example, the school district has announced a reduction in its meal program, citing decreased SNAP enrollment as a contributing factor.
Why It Matters
The changes to SNAP and school meal programs are significant as they directly affect food security for millions of children. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has noted a nearly 20% decline in SNAP enrollment in Florida since the OBBBA was signed into law, which can lead to increased food insecurity among low-income families. Historical data shows that unpaid meal debt at schools has risen, highlighting the financial strain on families amid rising food prices, which are currently 21% higher than in January 2022. The potential long-term impact of the OBBBA could further strain state resources, with additional costs projected for food stamp programs in the coming years.
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