Steele’s Legislation To Help Expand Breakfast Opportunities in Washington

In an effort to expand breakfast access for Washington most impoverished students, a North Central Washington lawmaker is teaming up with regional farmers.  Chelan Republican Mike Steele has introduced House Bill 1508, also known as the “Breakfast After The Bell”.  The legislation calls on schools in areas with high poverty rates to continue to offer breakfast after the beginning of the school day during the first period of instruction.  The House Bill creates a partnership with the WSDA, which allows districts to tap into the existing Farm to School and Small Farm and Direct Marketing programs, which he said are a perfect fit to help Breakfast After the Bell succeed.

A recent review from the Washington state Board of Health found “strong evidence” this legislation will increase participation in school breakfast programs, and improve health outcomes.  HB 1508 now heads to the Senate for a a concurrent vote before going on to Governor Jay Inslee for his signature.

“We know outcomes improve when kids start the day with breakfast,” said Steele. “By including the WSDA in this program, we reinvest in our communities and give small local farmers some much-needed economic stability.”

Click Here to learn more about House Bill 1508.

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