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Bill

SB 5352

Increasing student access to free meals served at public schools.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jess Bateman and 27 co-sponsors

SB 5352 expands free school meal access for Washington students to improve nutrition equity and academic outcomes while addressing food insecurity barriers.

Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education at 8:00 AM.
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Bill Summary · SB 5352

Legislative bill overview

SB 5352 aims to expand free meal access for students attending Washington's public schools. The bill was introduced with bipartisan sponsorship and is currently in the early learning and K-12 education committee stage, with a public hearing scheduled for February 2025.

Why is this important

Food insecurity affects academic performance, attendance, and long-term health outcomes for students. Expanding free meal programs reduces barriers to nutrition and can improve educational equity across districts with varying socioeconomic compositions. This addresses both immediate student welfare and measurable academic achievement metrics.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding mechanism: How the program will be funded—whether through state budget allocation, federal reimbursement increases, or local district contributions—will significantly affect implementation feasibility and taxpayer impact
  • Eligibility criteria: Whether all students receive free meals or if income thresholds apply will determine program scope, costs, and philosophical alignment with universal vs. targeted assistance approaches
  • School district capacity: Implementation across rural, urban, and suburban districts varies; concerns about kitchen infrastructure, staffing, and supply chain logistics in under-resourced schools may emerge

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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