The General Assembly passed a law this spring, which Gov. JB Pritzker signed, providing for free school meals for all students in Illinois. However, legislators failed to appropriate enough money to fund the program fully.
The law was passed after COVID-19-related federal funding expired last year. Without additional funding from the state or federal government, families in Illinois will be forced to apply for free or reduced lunches in school.
According to State Rep. Maurice West II, reimbursement funding for school meals has not increased in 15 years.
Minnesota passed a similar law this year, which was fully funded by its legislature.
