Advocates say COVID proved it’s possible, at least in the short term, to provide free lunches to all public schoolchildren. Now, some lawmakers say expanding free lunches is less of a financial burden to the state than you may expect.
Sioux Falls Democrat Kadyn Wittman has advocated the policy she describes as a worthwhile use of taxpayer dollars – feeding kids – for years.
“This is our fourth year attempting to expand free school lunches in South Dakota," Wittman said. "This year’s bill is an iteration of the last two years which would require the state to cover the cost of the breakfasts and lunches that typically fall on the shoulders of parents and families in the reduced category.”
This year, that bill is HB1082. Wittman explained who this bill supports and what it’ll cost the taxpayer.
“These are already the poorest of the poor, the most vulnerable members of our community," Wittman said. "A very low fiscal analysis of just about $600,000 a year for the state to cover that cost.”
That $600,000 would come out of the state’s multi-billion-dollar annual budget.
In 2026 though, the proposal has something new – momentum. Wittman said that’s giving her confidence to get it over the hurdle this session.
“For the first time ever, we have strong bipartisan support across both chambers with Democrats and Republicans signed onto this bill in the House and the Senate," Wittman said. "Four years ago, this bill died along party lines 14-1 in its first committee hearing, and today we have 14 co-sponsors and 9 of those are Republican. We’re seeing movement, we’re seeing a shift in the conversation in South Dakota, and I think folks are starting to recognize this is a very low-risk initiative to sign onto.”
Research shows children have better health, social, and educational outcomes when not having to worry about where their next meal is coming from.