| Dear SNA-VA Members, We have important updates on the School Breakfast for All bills and an opportunity for you to take action. What’s happening now? HB96 (House Bill) • Passed the House Education Committee • Feb 2nd – Heads to House Appropriations Elementary & Secondary Education Subcommittee to review fiscal impact • The most advocacy and education is needed here! • Committee Members: Delegate McQuinn (HD81 – Charles City County, Chesterfield County, and Henrico County), Delegate Sewell (HD25 – Prince William County), Delegate Herring (HD4 – Fairfax County and Alexandria City), Delegate Price (HD85 – Newport News), Delegate Simonds (HD70 – Newport News), Delegate Wiley (HD32 – Frederick County and Winchester City), Delegate McLaughlin (HD36 – Augusta County, Rockbridge County, Staunton and Waynesboro), and Delegate Torian (HD24 – Prince William County) SB4 (Senate Bill) • Passed unanimously out of the Senate Education & Health Committee • Moves to the Senate Finance & Appropriations Committee for review of the fiscal impact. • While this bill is a priority in the Senate, members still need to hear directly from you about the importance of school breakfast. • Committee Members: Lucas (Chair), Deeds, Locke, Marsden, Ebbin, McDougle, Obenshain, Stuart, Reeves, Favola, Surovell, McPike, Boysko, Pillion, Rouse What you can do right now • Contact members of the committees and your Delegate or Senator. • Share why fully funded school breakfast is important for students, families, and schools in your community. • Share this action alert with your networks. Thank you for your continued advocacy on behalf of school nutrition and the students we serve! |
| Sample Letter: Dear [Delegate/Senator Last Name], I am writing to ask for your support of HB 96 [use this bill number for delegates]/SB4 [use this bill number for senators], Breakfast for All, which would provide funding for school breakfast in Virginia. During the 2024–2025 school year, an average of more than 388,000 Virginia students ate school breakfast each day. This growing participation shows that when barriers are removed, students take advantage of nutritious meals that help them start the day ready to learn. Still, many students miss breakfast due to stigma, unpaid meal debt, or administrative barriers. Breakfast for All ensures all students have access to a healthy morning meal, regardless of family income. When students start the day with a solid meal, schools see better attendance, improved focus in the classroom, and stronger academic outcomes. When more students participate in school meals, school nutrition programs operate more efficiently by reducing paperwork, lowering administrative costs, and maximizing available federal funding. It is a win for students, schools, and taxpayers. Funding [HB 96]/[SB4] is an investment in student health, academic success, and Virginia’s future. Thank you for your leadership and for considering this important legislation. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Title / School Division or Organization] [City or Locality] |
