HOOSIERS CALL FOR NO-COST SCHOOL MEALS FOR ALL STUDENTS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 22, 2025

Indiana School Nutrition Association Urges Support for Hoosiers for Healthy School Meals for All Initiative to Address Hunger and Boost Academic Success for Students K Through 12

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The Indiana School Nutrition Association (ISNA) is calling on Governor Braun and the Indiana Legislature to support the vital initiative

Hoosiers for Healthy School Meals for All, which seeks to provide every student in Indiana with access to nutritious breakfast and lunch at no cost. This initiative is essential in ensuring that all Hoosier students can thrive academically, combat childhood hunger, and contribute to the long-term well-being of Indiana’s communities.

Indiana’s participation in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs (NSLP/SBP) provides millions of students with healthy meals and supports families struggling with the effects of high food prices and inflation. Research has shown that school meals are among the healthiest meals children in Indiana consume, which is vital in the fight against chronic diseases such as childhood obesity.

“School meals are a lifeline for many families and a critical part of the school day,” said Amanda Worrick, ISNA President and Director of Nutrition Services for South Madison Community School Corporation. “Providing healthy no-cost meals to all students is the right thing to do, this is an education expense not a social service expense. ”

The ISNA is advocating for state funding to permanently provide breakfast and lunch at no cost to all students to help improve academic performance, support health and wellness, and promote greater opportunity for all children, regardless of their family’s financial situation.

“This is not just a nutrition issue—it’s an education issue, a health issue, and a matter of preparing students for life beyond the classroom” said Shenae Rowe, ISNA Public Policy & Legislation Chair and Food and Nutrition Director for Warrick County School Corporation. “When students are nourished, they perform better in school and are better prepared for future success.”

Investing in school nutrition is not just an expense—it’s an investment in our students' future. School meals are an integral part of academic achievement, health, and well-being. Supporting Hoosiers for Healthy School Meals for All will allow us to prioritize our children's education while also supporting our local farmers and reducing the financial burden on families.

Contacts:

Amanda Worrick, ISNA Public Policy & Legislation Chair/ Director of Nutrition Services, South Madison Community School Corporation

Shenae Rowe, ISNA Public Policy & Legislation Past Chair/ Food and Nutrition Director, Warrick County School Corporation

By supporting Hoosiers for Healthy School Meals for All, we can ensure that no child in Indiana goes hungry, and all students have the opportunity to thrive in school and in life. For more information about this initiative or to join the effort, visit www.indianasna.org or contact one of the individuals listed above.