On June 18, Governor Sherrill signed legislation championed by Assembly Speaker Coughlin and Senate Majority Leader Ruiz, enhancing ease of access to school meal benefit information for families throughout New Jersey. The bill (A-3882 / P.L.2026, c.14) requires public schools to post a link to the subsidized school meals application in a prominent location on their website, along with a link to at least one informational video to be produced by the New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate.
“We know that a hungry child cannot learn. It is that simple. No curriculum, no technology, no dedicated teacher can overcome an empty stomach. Every family in New Jersey deserves to know that help is available,” said NJSBA CEO and Executive Director Dr. Timothy Purnell. “Now, thanks to the leadership of Gov. Sherrill, Assembly Speaker Coughlin, Senate Majority Leader Ruiz and the full legislature, more families will. This measure cuts through the noise and does what good policy should: it gets resources to the children who need them. The NJSBA remains committed to working alongside districts and policymakers to ensure that every student in New Jersey sits down to a nutritious meal,” Purnell continued.
The legislation, which the NJSBA supported, builds on New Jersey’s previous efforts to combat food insecurity, such as the Working-Class Families’ Anti-Hunger Act’s expansion of eligibility for free school meals. P.L2026, c.14 goes into effect immediately.
