Sanders signs free school breakfast bill into law

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.— Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today signed SB59, which passed the House and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support, providing students with free breakfast before the school day. The legislation’s lead sponsors are Senator Jonathan Dismang (District 18) and Representative Zach Gramlich (District 50).

“Free school breakfast will help ease the burden on families just trying to put food on their tables and make sure kids are fueled and ready to learn,” said Governor Sanders. “Delivering for our kids is a bipartisan issue, and I’m proud to see us working together to take action.”

“By ensuring that every child starts their school day with a nourishing meal, we give them the tools they need to succeed and thrive, regardless of their background. It’s a simple but powerful step towards creating an equitable learning environment where all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential,” said Senator Jonathan Dismang.

“As a middle school teacher, I have seen the impact of hunger on a student’s ability to learn and thrive. A hungry child comes into school, lays their head down, and waits for lunch. Providing students with a breakfast will ensure that every student starts the day with the nutrition they need to concentrate, participate, and succeed in my classroom,” said Representative Zach Gramlich.

SB59 guarantees each student free breakfast regardless of if they qualify for free or reduced meals under federal law. The legislation also repurposes Medical Marijuana tax revenue to ensure both Summer EBT and Arkansas’ free lunch and breakfast programs are fully funded into the future.

Governor Sanders previously announced Arkansas will continue its Summer EBT program this year after serving nearly a quarter of a million children last summer. The Governor previously signed legislation to provide free school lunches for students who previously qualified for reduced-price meals.