Rep. Ilhan Omar introduced H.R.7639, the National Advisory Council on Unpaid School Meal Debt Act, establishing an unpaid school meal debt commission that would play a pivotal role in policy recommendations to address unpaid school meal debt. The Council would be composed of 14 members, including food service directors and employees.
Unpaid school meal debt is on the rise nationwide, threatening the sustainability of school nutrition programs and jeopardizing student access to healthy school meals. Since the expiration of nationwide free school meals for all, a staggering 92.8% of school districts that must charge for meals have reported challenges with unpaid meal debt.
Currently, the bill is cosponsored by 14 members of Congress, all Democrats. It is imperative that this bill gain bipartisan support. If you would like to show your support and urge your legislators to cosponsor the bill please consider submitting a letter HERE.