We have failed to produce quality teachers and our educational outcomes demonstrate this. Rather than this proposed residential training, please require teachers to hold a master's degree in a core subject such as English, Math, History, Science and THEN and only then offer pay that will attract and retain them.

Vote no on HB145. With an ongoing teacher shortage crisis, requiring each scholarship recipient to intern/extern at low-income, and often less safe schools, will chase candidates away. Virginia will make more headway to maybe NOT continue to be 50th in the USA, if scholarship grant recipients can begin practicing their teaching skills at any school. THEN incentivize with annual bonuses and differential pay for those who work in positions of higher demands, like Title 1 schools and providers of Special Education services.

The Virginia Assocation of School Superintendents supports this bill.

On behalf of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, I write in support of House Bill 145 establishing the Virginia Teacher Residency Training Corps. Recruiting and retaining a robust and diverse teacher workforce to address the critical teacher shortage in Virginia is a priority for the Virginia Chamber. Research has shown how successful these hands-on programs can be with teacher recruitment and retention when you couple theory and practice with support from experienced mentors. We ask that you support HB145.

Two years ago, I attempted to convince Del. Maldonado to do something similar to this, so it is high time it has come. As a former teacher of 30 years, I know it is hard to find good teachers. They replaced me with one who shows movies all day. There is simply no hidden lair where teachers are. You must create them by attracting good quality people, of excellent character, AND PAY THEM WELL for their work. Starting at $38,000 when they can earn at least $70,000 someplace else is not going to attract people like a younger me who love the work, love the kids. One step better than this outreach to younger folks -- create a program to bring in the best from everywhere and put our VA surplus toward it.

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I am Maria Posey, chair of the child care issue group from the League of Women Voters. We oppose House Bill 408 as written as it endangers the financial stability of child care providers by altering reimbursement methods based on child absences. While we fully support the establishment of an enrollment-based payment system, we do not support this system to revert back to attendance-based in the event a child is absent more than 10 days in a month. Any payment tied to attendance penalizes providers for circumstances beyond their control, such as a child's illness or family emergencies, potentially leading to significant financial losses. This is why we see many providers opting not to participate in the child care subsidy program.  Without a guaranteed source of income per slot irrespective of a child's attendance, providers will continue struggling to sustain their operations and will be incentivized to expel students who are absent for 10 days rather than risk that their reimbursements for the slot are cut back in case there are further absences. In this event, it is the child who suffers due to circumstances outside their control. This bill undermines efforts to sustain a robust, accessible child care system for all children. We recommend that it be revised to remove the clause about reverting back based on absences.

I'm Maria Posey, chair of the child care issue group for the League of Women Voters Virginia. On behalf of the League, I strongly support House Bill 419. This bill aligns with the findings of our recent study and proposes to strengthen the funding formula and maintain educator incentives - both of which are critical to improving the quality and accessibility of child care in the Commonwealth. Our 2022 study built on existing research and highlighted critical shortages in quality child care, especially for children aged 0-6. Only 57% of demand for child care in Virginia is being met in the current system. That's nearly half of Virginia's children not getting access to the care their families need. This bill would ensure that much-needed funds would be allocated towards child care and, once allocated would not never revert back to the general fund. As a mom of three spending over $35,000/year on child care, and chair of the child care issue group for the League of Women Voters, I urge your support for House Bill 419, a pivotal step towards securing a brighter future for Virginia’s children and families.

I support HB408 in that providers, including schools, not providing actual services should not be paid taxpayer funds for all days services are not provided (within reason, like for periodic short-term illnesses, death in family, doctor's appointments, etc. etc.) providers especially should not receive funding when services are not provided such as times when a child is 'kicked out' of a program due to manifestations of disabilities, like Autism behaviors, Mental Illnesses and the like.

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I am Maria Posey from the League of Women Voters. We strongly support House Bill 627 for its innovative approach to addressing the child care workforce shortage. By providing free child care to eligible child care provider employees, this bill not only supports our dedicated child care workforce but also enhances the quality of care offered to Virginia’s children.  This legislation improves the recruitment and retention of child care educators. By offering free child care as a benefit of employment in this sector, the bill will encourage retention and attract new talent to the child care sector.

Dear Subcommittee members, I urge you to vote yes on HB686 in order to provide meals to Virginia students at no cost. While existing federal meals programs go a long ways towards helping those students who need the most nutrition assistance, there are without a doubt substantial gaps in coverage. This bill would erase those gaps. In addition, I understand that some of you may have concerns about the cost of this particular bill, however, the benefit to learning outcomes associated with ensuring that no child goes to school hungry is worth every penny. Moreover, the long run benefit this bill would provide to the entire commonwealth far exceeds the short term fiscal costs. Thank you for your consideration, once again I urge you to vote yes on HB686.

Comments Document

See file:

I work in a county that is truly diverse. We have families that are in every economic bracket. This bill would really help our community, especially the less privileged, to have access to nutritious meals. As current president of this chapter, I support this bill.

Thank you for your support to feed Virginia scholars. School meals are an essential part of the student day. Sincerely, Teresa

I am writing in support of the HB686-Bennett-Parker Bill. I am a Cafeteria Manager for an elementary school in Loudoun County, which is said to be one of the "wealthiest" counties in the United States (according to various magazine articles). However, every day I see that there are students that do not eat lunch. There is one family that was $300.00 over the free or reduce lunch qualification and they struggle to provide lunch for their student. With the state of the economy the cost for school breakfast and lunches has increased, but the family income has not. We are all impacted by this, even you. I am sure with all that comes across your desk you would want nothing more than to help everyone you serve, I believe that's why you are in the position you are in. We know that isn't how things work, we have to prioritize. At this time I am hoping that ALL of America's future leaders make it to the top of your priority list and you support the HB686-Bennett-Parker Bill to ensure that ALL students are provided breakfast and lunch.

Good Evening, I am a food service director with VA public schools. I encourage your support to HB 686. Providing a healthy school breakfast and lunch at no cost to all students on school days will ensure they are alert and ready to learn.

My name is Casey Dickinson and I am writing to you as the School Nutrition Assistant Director for Chesterfield County Public Schools and as the Vice President of the School Nutrition Association of Virginia. I am reaching out to express my strong support for House Bill 686 and to urge you to consider its importance for the well-being of our children and the community. As you are aware, access to nutritious meals plays a crucial role in a child's physical and academic development. House Bill 686, which proposes universal free feeding in Virginia schools, is a significant step towards ensuring that every child has access to the nourishment they need to thrive. I believe that supporting this bill is not only a commitment to the health of our students but also an investment in the future of our wonderful Commonwealth. Universal free feeding addresses several key issues that impact the well-being of our students. By eliminating financial barriers, this policy ensures that no child goes hungry during the school day. It fosters an inclusive and supportive environment, promoting equality and reducing the stigma associated with free and reduced-price meal programs. Additionally, studies have consistently shown that proper nutrition positively influences academic performance, attendance, and overall behavior in the classroom. As a school nutrition employee in both local and state positions, I've witnessed firsthand the challenges that some of our students face in accessing regular, nutritious meals. Universal free feeding not only addresses these challenges but also creates a positive and nurturing atmosphere in our schools. It allows us to focus on our primary goal – ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed, both academically and personally. I understand that legislative decisions require careful consideration, and I appreciate the work you do to represent the interests of our community. I firmly believe that by supporting HB 686, we are taking a significant step towards building a healthier, more equitable future for Virginia's children.

Eating nutritious foods has a direct impact on academic achievement, performance, & overall wellbeing. Nutrient-rich foods provide essential nutrients that support brain health & cognitive function, leading to improved memory & concentration. Research shows that students who consistently consume a nutritious diet, or even just have the opportunity to eat enough in general, have improved attendance and better academic outcomes, like higher test scores and grades. Additionally, getting adequate nutrition through food can support a healthy immune system, reducing absences from school due to sickness or injuries. Providing no cost meals to students across divisions has the potential to increase meal participation, decrease stigma, and cultivate an environment of equity.

Dear Chair Rasoul and Members of the House Education Committee:  As a concern citizen of the great State of Virginia and a director of food service in Prince Edward County, I write to ask that you support HB 686, School meals, availability at no cost to students. This important measure would extend to all students, no matter household income. Similar to textbooks, desk, transportation, afterschool activities, that school meals should be available to all students at no cost.  Students come to school in the morning hungry and have no money to purchase breakfast. It's a known fact that as humans we can't learn or work on an empty stomach. Some of these students will go through the day feeling sick which they will then be sent home. Some students will act out which means they will get in trouble and be removed from the classroom. Some students will not get their daily vitamins and nutrition that they need to grow and be healthy. Some students the only meal they get is from school because there is no food at home or no one at home to cook them a nutrition meal.  Meal debit is costing school districts around the state thousands of dollars each year. Those dollars could be used to improve programs, give food service professional pay increases, and could be used to purchase more produce from local farmers and keep the money in the local economy.   Offering no-cost meals to all:  • Increases school meal program participation, which means the nutritional needs of more students are met.  • Promotes equity by eliminating the out-of-pocket costs for families and reducing the stigma of school meals programs.  • Eliminates the burden on families to submit applications for free meals.  • Reduces administrative burden on school districts by eliminating school meals applications, counting and claiming by category, and collecting unpaid meal charges.  • Provides school nutrition staff more time and resources to focus on access to innovative service models, such as Breakfast in the Classroom. Five states have already recognized the benefits of free school meals to students. California, Maine, Colorado, Minnesota and New Mexico see how much it has been a relief to families and schools. Help make Virginia, a state that usage a head of the pack, make the right decision.  I strongly support this legislation and ask that you support this bill and use your influence to advance the bill to benefit the children of Virginia while helping your constituents.  Thanks for considering my view. I look forward to your response or meeting with you on January 30, 2024, when members of School Nutrition Assocation of Virginia visits Richmond.  Bruce Davis Supervisor of Food Service Prince Edward County

As the Supervisor of Food and Nutrition Services for Rockingham County Public Schools (RCPS), I urge you to support HB 686. RCPS does not currently qualify for district-wide CEP. School Meals for All promotes equity for all families in our district and eliminates the administrative burden that falls on parents, teachers and school nutrition staff to complete meal applications. A meal should be a provided school supply. I receive inquiries frequently as to why we do not have meals at no charge for all students, while other counties do. This bill would have unanimous support across Rockingham County based on personal conversations in my everyday life, from parents who are farmers and are just above the free/reduced threshold to school office staff who wouldn’t have to spend time going back and forth with families on filling out a complicated application correctly. On behalf of my staff, the employees of RCPS, parents and most importantly our students, I ask for your support on School Meals for All.

 Honorable Delegates, I am writing to express my strong support for Virginia House Bill 686, which focuses on ensuring the availability of school meals at no cost toe students in public elementary and secondary schools throughout Virginia. This bill aligns with crucial federal programs such as the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program, emphasizing the importance of providing nutritious meals to students The proposed legislation not only mandates participation in these federal programs but also encourages the adoption of policies and procedures to maximize access to federal funds. Additionally, the bill aims to lower the minimum identified student percentage to 25% for participation in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), making it more inclusive. I believe that by making lunch and breakfast available to any student at no cost, unless explicit permission is given by a parent otherwise, we can contribute to the well-being and academic success of students across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Furthermore, the provision for state reimbursement for each served meal is a commendable step in supporting schools financially. I urge you to consider the positive impact this bill could have on students' health, educational outcomes, and overall community well-being. I hope you will support and advocate for the passage of VA HB 686 to ensure that no student faces barriers to accessing breakfast and lunch meals at no cost during their school day. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter and your positive vote in support of HB 686. Sincerely, Larry Wade, Sr., President School Nutrition Association of Virginia (SNA-VA) 708 Barbury Arch Chesapeake, VA 2332 larrywade8@gmail.com

Please vote to pass HB 686 Meals for All. The children in Virginia need your help. Every child should be able to get a hot meal and not have to worry about being hungry. Parents are struggling and children are suffering. Please vote for free meals for children.

I highly encourage you to pass HB626, providing universal free meals to all students. This bill is critical and should be passed for many reasons. Many households are still struggling economically and need this benefit. Students need to have access to nutritious, healthy meals without the stigma of receiving them based on their families income. The income level does not truly reflect the need of the family, in most cases. Please, please, please pass this bill. For our children!

Comments Document

Good morning, I serve as Public Policy Chair for the School Nutrition Association of Virginia (SNA-VA) and also as the Director of School Nutrition with Harrisonburg City Schools. The SNA-VA strongly supports legislation which increases access to no-cost school meals for all students. HCPS is eligible to participate division-wide in the federal Community Eligibility Provision. We saw the tremendous value of no-cost school meals during the pandemic when meals were served free in all public schools and again when we transitioned to CEP when the pandemic programs expired. It would be wonderful for no-cost school meals to be a reality for all schools, not just those who are eligible for CEP. Attached is a document which details the work of the SNA-VA and lists the benefits of no-cost school meals for all for your review. I respectfully ask for your support of HB 686. Thank you, Andrea Early

Dear Legislator I am writing to express my strong support for Virginia House Bill 686, which focuses on ensuring the availability of school meals at no cost to students in public elementary and secondary schools. This bill aligns with crucial federal programs such as the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program, emphasizing the importance of providing nutritious meals to students The proposed legislation not only mandates participation in these federal programs but also encourages the adoption of policies and procedures to maximize access to federal funds. Additionally, the bill aims to lower the minimum identified student percentage for participation in the Community Eligibility Provision, making it more inclusive. I believe that by making lunch and breakfast available to any student at no cost, unless explicit permission is given otherwise, we can contribute to the well-being and academic success of students across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Furthermore, the provision for state reimbursement for each served meal is a commendable step in supporting schools financially. I urge you to consider the positive impact this bill could have on students' health, educational outcomes, and overall community well-being. I hope you will support and advocate for the passage of VA HB 686 to ensure that no student faces barriers to accessing breakfast and lunch meals at no cost during their school day. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.

Save the Children Action Network, representing over 18,000 supporters across Virginia, stands in strong support of HB 686 that would allow for no-cost school meals for Virginia’s students. As an advocate with Save the Children Action Network, I am writing to urge you to prioritize the needs of children, our most vulnerable citizens. The lives and circumstances for many children and families in Virginia is dire, with over 200,000 children living in poverty in the Commonwealth and rising food prices pushing families across the nation to the brink of hunger — especially in rural America. A recent poll conducted by Save the Children and Save the Children Action Network found that 77% of rural and small-town voters worry they won’t be able to feed their families this year. Nutritious food is essential for young minds and bodies. It’s the foundation that allows kids to thrive as learners and in life. But 12 million children in the U.S. are growing up hungry. Malnutrition stunts more than kids' development – it stunts their futures, too. Hungry children are more likely to struggle in class, repeat a grade or miss school entirely. Without enough to eat, they may never reach their full potential. To solve the hunger crisis, we need stronger, more accessible child nutrition support across Virginia – especially in rural America, where many families live miles from the closest grocery store and healthy food can be hard to come by. Children growing up in Virginia’s hardest-to-reach communities deserve reliable access to healthy meals – and their chance to have a bright future. As an advocate for kids, I urge you to support HB 686 so children have the bright futures they deserve.

There is too much research available about the positive benefits of nutritious meals as a key element of childhood development to ignore this problem for any longer. Children solely continue to bear the brunt of the negative effects of the current USDA program for benefit qualification - No matter how careful we are in the School Nutrition Program, students who qualify for free and reduced lunches are evident to anyone who pays attention to details. - No matter how many times we reach out to families to load student accounts, there are those who cannot, will not, or cannot be contacted for various reasons. - No matter how we change our local policies in favor of grace for those families who are on the cusp of the programs, maybe only missing the benefit by a few dollars, these families suffer the added burden of feeding their school-aged children despite rising costs all around us. - No matter how available we make the information to potentially qualifying families who are not aware of the program, it's benefits both in and outside of the four walls of the school, there will always be families who will not apply whether out of pride, lack of understanding, or otherwise. With the onset of the free meals programs operated during the pandemic, we've seen the benefits of being able to put full plates in front of students twice a day. If meals were free there would be no stigma associated with individually qualifying students. We would be able to introduce new foods and new concepts each year in our school cafeterias. Cafeteria managers and program operators would be able to shift the limited time resources we have from tracking down meal debt like debt collectors to expanding access, programming, local agriculture support, and all of the other nutrition-focused initiatives that are highlighted across the globe every day. At the end of the day, access to nutrition should not be a barrier to any school-aged student any more than access to school textbooks, technology, or facilities is. We have to do better for our students and our children and the families and communities that support them. Give families back their buying power to put food on the table OUTSIDE of the school day and allow School Nutrition programs to at least focus on feeding each individual student stigma-free.

As a food service director within the Virginia public school system, I encourage your vote to support HB686. This change will not only provide healthy meals to all students, but it will also improve efficiencies for all school staff to direct their time and attention to classroom work, creative meal production and lessen classroom behavior issues. Accounting for students to have a meal with or without funds creates additional workload for teachers and cafeteria staff. Thank you for the consideration. This HB should also be fully funded as compared to a free meal reimbursement. The challenge of the present CEP program for schools with a ISP that is not 60% creates a burden for school divisions when each meal is not fully funded.

Please approve this bill! School lunch should be a right for all children! If we get government reimbursement anyway. Why not make it easier and just make it free across the board. Thank you!!

We require students to show up to school each day and be on time, to remain in the building during learning hours, to be on time to class, to remember their homework and instruments and sporting equipment. It only seams appropriate that free school lunches for all would be part of the packaged deal, and should include public, private and day schools!!!!

This would be a great benefit for the families of students in King William County.

Please, please, please pass this house bill. We should be providing meals to our children at no charge. Many families are struggling, still, and free meals would be a great benefit to them. And, the students would have access to healthy, nutritious meals on a daily basis. The stigma of "free" or "reduced" priced meals needs to be changed. This is how that can be accomplished.

School meals should be available to all students at no cost.

Please allow all children to eat free in Virginia.

I believe that all students should be allowed the opportunity to have Breakfast and Lunch without having to worry about money on an account or if their parents have the funds to be able to buy Breakfast or Lunch. Breakfast or Lunch shouldn't be a stressful time for children to wonder if they will be told they don't have money on their account or that their funds are low. Thanks for your time

I support meals being free for all students.

In support of this bill.

With food prices increasing tremendously free meals for all will help all families make ends meet.

School meals for all will benefit our students, staff and parents. There will be no stigma for children receiving free meals, there will be no school meal debt for parents to worry about paying off because their income is just above the income eligibility guidelines and they cannot afford to pay. The burden of being short staffed and dealing with free/reduced applications and time consuming claim reimbursements would be removed.

please provide all meals free to students

Please consider approving house bill HB686 as it will greatly impact the lives of our students within the division. Understanding that nutrition directly correlates to academic achievement and performance in the classroom, this would move our division in the right direction in our on going efforts to increase meal participation, decrease stigma, and cultivate an environment of equity across the board for all students. Thank you for your time and consideration.

So many children in this country go hungry each day. It is important that they can depend on Breakfast and Lunch at school. Also one less thing for parents to have to worry about when trying to make ends meet.

I support any bill that provides free food for all students. During Covid, I saw the effect that no cost food made in families during that time of uncertainty. Breaking the barrier that separates students from nutritious meals due to money issues.

The Va Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (VAND) supports Universal School meals for all children in the Commonwealth. Food insecurity is not uncommon in children that are not qualified for free and reduced lunch for a variety reasons. If we want to maximize learning in our children (1), please consider taking potential hunger out of the equation and recognize the cost of providing meals to children now can pay big dividends in the future. Please reach out if you would like further information. 1 https://www.nokidhungry.org/blog/how-does-hunger-affect-learning As registered dietitians, VAND urges your support and are available to answer any of your nutrition related questions. Thank you! Lesley McPhatter, MS, RDN, CSR Va Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 434.485.1608

As the Supervisor of Food and Nutrition Services for Rockingham County Public Schools (RCPS), I urge you to support HB 686. RCPS does not currently qualify for district-wide CEP. School Meals for All promotes equity for all families in our district and eliminates the administrative burden that falls on parents, teachers and school nutrition staff to complete meal applications. A meal should be a provided school supply. I receive inquiries frequently as to why we do not have meals at no charge for all students, while other counties do. This bill would have unanimous support across Rockingham County based on personal conversations in my everyday life, from parents who are farmers and are just above the free/reduced threshold to school office staff who wouldn’t have to spend time going back and forth with families on filling out a complicated application correctly. On behalf of my staff, the employees of RCPS, parents and most importantly our students, I ask for your support on School Meals for All.

Please consider to support HB686 for the students of Culpeper County Public Schools. Feeding all students at no cost will benefit our students and families of our community. With the cost of living going up for everyone this will help many families struggling to make ends meet every month. At the same time this will benefit students by getting nutritious meals from our program and help them with their academics.

I am a school nutrition, Director and have seen firsthand the impact of feeding all children, breakfast and lunch without constraint. You never know what a child is going through at home or their situation but for them to know they can come to school and get a meal is priceless. it takes the stigma out of receiving a meal and provide nutrition all of our futures. Please consider feeding all children and Virginia had no charge to them.

This is very important that every child need a good breakfast and lunch each day. Passing this bill to provide free meals to all school children will help them throughout the school day. This could be the only meals some children receive for they don't have money to purchase a meal. I strongly encourage you to pass this bill.

I am writing to express my strong support for Virginia House Bill 686, which focuses on ensuring the availability of school meals at no cost to students in public elementary and secondary schools throughout Virginia. This bill aligns with crucial federal programs such as the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program, emphasizing the importance of providing nutritious meals to students The proposed legislation not only mandates participation in these federal programs but also encourages the adoption of policies and procedures to maximize access to federal funds. Additionally, the bill aims to lower the minimum identified student percentage to 25% for participation in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), making it more inclusive. I believe that by making lunch and breakfast available to any student at no cost, unless explicit permission is given by a parent otherwise, we can contribute to the well-being and academic success of students across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Furthermore, the provision for state reimbursement for each served meal is a commendable step in supporting schools financially. I urge you to consider the positive impact this bill could have on students' health, educational outcomes, and overall community well-being. I hope you will support and advocate for the passage of VA HB 686 to ensure that no student faces barriers to accessing breakfast and lunch meals at no cost during their school day. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter and your positive vote in support of HB 686.

This bill is a must to help our future, are students.

Subject: Support for VA HB 686 - School Meals Accessibility Dear Legislator , I am writing to express my strong support for Virginia House Bill 686, which focuses on ensuring the availability of school meals at no cost to students in public elementary and secondary schools. This bill aligns with crucial federal programs such as the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program, emphasizing the importance of providing nutritious meals to students The proposed legislation not only mandates participation in these federal programs but also encourages the adoption of policies and procedures to maximize access to federal funds. Additionally, the bill aims to lower the minimum identified student percentage for participation in the Community Eligibility Provision, making it more inclusive. I believe that by making lunch and breakfast available to any student at no cost, unless explicit permission is given otherwise, we can contribute to the well-being and academic success of students across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Furthermore, the provision for state reimbursement for each served meal is a commendable step in supporting schools financially. I urge you to consider the positive impact this bill could have on students' health, educational outcomes, and overall community well-being. I hope you will support and advocate for the passage of VA HB 686 to ensure that no student faces barriers to accessing breakfast and lunch meals at no cost during their school day. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. Sincerely, Larry Wade, Sr., President, School Nutrition Association of Virginia (SNA-VA) 708 Barbury Arch Chesapeake, VA 23323 larrywade8@gmail.com 757.692.5111

Thank you for the opportunity to speak o behalf of the scholars in VA, All students should receive breakfast and lunch at school without the burden on the family to pay. Please allow our students the opportunity to receive free meals in Virginia. Sincerely,

Vote in favor of: HB1039, HB732, HB686, HB603, HB498, HB497, HB482, HB386, HB253, HB224, HB215, HB134, and HB41. I would recommend including additional language in HB41 that addresses voter registrations in public schools. Being an active voter is part of our civic duty and participation in our democratic process should be taught and encouraged. Voter registration drives should be occurring in all public high schools in the Commonwealth.

My name is Casey Dickinson and I am writing as the School Nutrition Assistant Director for Chesterfield County Public Schools and as the Vice President of the School Nutrition Association of Virginia. I am reaching out to express my strong support for House Bill 686 and to urge you to consider its importance for the well-being of our children and the community. As you are aware, access to nutritious meals plays a crucial role in a child's physical and academic development. House Bill 686, which proposes universal free feeding in Virginia schools, is a significant step towards ensuring that every child has access to the nourishment they need to thrive. I believe that supporting this bill is not only a commitment to the health of our students but also an investment in the future of our wonderful Commonwealth. Universal free feeding addresses several key issues that impact the well-being of our students. By eliminating financial barriers, this policy ensures that no child goes hungry during the school day. It fosters an inclusive and supportive environment, promoting equality and reducing the stigma associated with free and reduced-price meal programs. Additionally, studies have consistently shown that proper nutrition positively influences academic performance, attendance, and overall behavior in the classroom. As a school nutrition employee in both local and state positions, I've witnessed firsthand the challenges that some of our students face in accessing regular, nutritious meals. Universal free feeding not only addresses these challenges but also creates a positive and nurturing atmosphere in our schools. It allows us to focus on our primary goal – ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed, both academically and personally. I understand that legislative decisions require careful consideration, and I appreciate the work you do to represent the interests of our community. I firmly believe that by supporting HB 686, we are taking a significant step towards building a healthier, more equitable future for Virginia's children.

Vote YES

Chair Simonds and Honorable Members of the Education K-12 Subcommittee: On behalf of the American Diabetes Association (ADA), thank you for your consideration of HB 686, which would ensure all students access to healthy, nutritious school meals at no cost. This bill clearly aligns with the mission of the ADA to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. A healthy diet can help decrease the risk for obesity and chronic diseases like diabetes. According to the ADA’s Statement on Socioecological Determinants of Diabetes and Prediabetes, those with severe food insecurity have an approximately twofold risk of diabetes compared with those without food insecurity. For children who already have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, food insecurity can also increase the risk of complications. Missing meals, for example, can disrupt the child’s blood glucose (sugar) levels and put them at higher risk of hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose. On the other side, those with diabetes who consume only unhealthy food may have more frequent high blood glucose levels, or hyperglycemia, which can raise the risk of long-term complications. The increased incidence of diabetes in our children is truly alarming. According to the ADA’s Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes, the global standard for the management and treatment of diabetes, type 2 diabetes in youth has increased over the past 20 years. Researchers have projected that the prevalence of diabetes in those under 20 years of age could quadruple in 40 years. Currently, nearly 750,000 adults in Virginia have diabetes and another 2.2 million (33%) have prediabetes and are at high-risk for developing the disease. Total direct medical expenses for diagnosed diabetes in Virginia were estimated at $6.1 billion in 2017, and another $2.3 billion was spent on indirect costs from loss of productivity. As the leading cause of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness among adults, and amputation of the lower extremities, diabetes carries a terrible personal and economic burden. On behalf of your constituents with schoolchildren who are living with or at risk for diabetes, I urge you to support HB 686 as another tool to eliminate barriers and increase access to healthy school breakfasts and lunches - reducing their risk for developing diabetes. We simply can’t afford not to. If I can be of further assistance to you, please contact me at mbillger@diabetes.org. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Comments Document

Good morning, I serve as Public Policy Chair for the School Nutrition Association of Virginia (SNA-VA) and also as the Director of School Nutrition with Harrisonburg City Schools. The SNA-VA strongly supports legislation which increases access to no-cost school meals for all students. HCPS is eligible to participate division-wide in the federal Community Eligibility Provision. We saw the tremendous value of no-cost school meals during the pandemic when meals were served free in all public schools and again when we transitioned to CEP when the pandemic programs expired. It would be wonderful for no-cost school meals to be a reality for all schools, not just those who are eligible for CEP. Attached is a document which details the work of the SNA-VA and lists the benefits of no-cost school meals for all for your review. I respectfully ask for your support of HB 686. Thank you, Andrea Early

Comments Document

Recent data from the non-profit, Feeding America, shows that there are 165,000 hungry children in our commonwealth and as of 2021 43.5% of that group are apart of families who live above the federal poverty line and, as such, do not qualify for many federal programs. Not only do we have a moral responsibility to feed hungry kids via HB 686, but also an economic and fiscal responsibility to do so. According to multiple studies which tracked student performance following enrollment in CEP (Community Eligibility Program) students experienced: Improved math test scores Improved attendance rates Improved classroom behavior Decreased suspension rates If these indicators of heightened educational benefits is not enough, Universal Free School lunch is also more cost efficient with schools enrolled in the CEP spending an average of sixty-seven cents less each lunch, and fifty-eight cents less for each breakfast. If that isn’t enough there is good reason to believe that this bill will pay for itself. Hungry Kids Are 31% more likely to be hospitalized for health issues, in the short term costing in excess of $12,000 Are 90% more likely to have their health reported as “fair/poor” compared to children from food secure households whose health was more likely to be reported as “excellent/good.” And just one diagnosis of protein or calorie malnutrition costs Medicaid approximately 1.25 million dollars in children aged 0-4 It costs about 20 dollars a week to feed a child lunch. The state of Virginia will end up covering the cost of child hunger either now, through the supply of Free school lunch, or later through payment for Medicaid, but it is less costly and more humane to pay that price now.

Dear Chair Simonds and Members of the Education K-12 Subcommittee:  As a concern citizen of the great State of Virginia and a director of food service in Prince Edward County, I write to ask that you support HB 686, School meals, availability at no cost to students. This important measure would extend to all students, no matter household income. Similar to textbooks, desk, transportation, afterschool activities, that school meals should be available to all students at no cost.  Students come to school in the morning hungry and have no money to purchase breakfast. It's a known fact that as humans we can't learn or work on an empty stomach. Some of these students will go through the day feeling sick which they will then be sent home. Some students will act out which means they will get in trouble and be removed from the classroom. Some students will not get their daily vitamins and nutrition that they need to grow and be healthy. Some students the only meal they get is from school because there is no food at home or no one at home to cook them a nutrition meal.  Meal debit is costing school districts around the state thousands of dollars each year. Those dollars could be used to improve programs, give food service professional pay increases, and could be used to purchase more produce from local farmers and keep the money in the local economy.   Offering no-cost meals to all:  • Increases school meal program participation, which means the nutritional needs of more students are met.  • Promotes equity by eliminating the out-of-pocket costs for families and reducing the stigma of school meals programs.  • Eliminates the burden on families to submit applications for free meals.  • Reduces administrative burden on school districts by eliminating school meals applications, counting and claiming by category, and collecting unpaid meal charges.  • Provides school nutrition staff more time and resources to focus on access to innovative service models, such as Breakfast in the Classroom. Five states have already recognized the benefits of free school meals to students. California, Maine, Colorado, Minnesota and New Mexico see how much it has been a relief to families and schools. Help make Virginia, a state that usage a head of the pack, make the right decision.  I strongly support this legislation and ask that you support this bill and use your influence to advance the bill to benefit the children of Virginia while helping your constituents.  Thanks for considering my view. I look forward to your response or meeting with you on January 30, 2024, when members of School Nutrition Association of Virginia visits Richmond. 

seconding what my family and friends have said and taught me as we examine these bills together- 134- YES 214- YES 224- YES 253- YES 386- YES 398- YES 497- YES 498- YES 603- YES 686- YES 732- YES

134- YES to fentanyl training to save lives and decrease stigma. It is overdue 214- YES 224- YES 253- YES civic engagement encouraged 386- YES 398- YES incredible practice to prevent punishment and foster healthy development 497- YES 498- YES 603- YES 686- YES 732- YES Nalaxone critical and life saving

134- YES to fentanyl training to save lives and decrease stigma 214- YES increase safety and change culture 224- YES to save lives with training 253- YES students' voices are critical and will teach power of speaking up for themselves 386- YES 398- YES restorative justice changes lives and prevents school to prison pipeline. Lynchburg has found restorative practices to be so impactful that a federal grant was just awarded almost 1M to continue 497- YES SAVE LIVES 498 YES save lives 603 YES save lives reduce stigma 686 YES 732 YES save lives

Good Morning, Chair Simonds & Subcommittee Members, My name is Justine Blincoe, I am the Policy Director of Greater Richmond Fit4Kids. We are a Richmond, Virginia-based nonprofit that provides nutrition and physical activity programming and education in public schools in Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico, Petersburg, and Hopewell. I am asking for your support on HB 686 to make school meals available to all students at no cost to them. Providing free school breakfast and lunch to all students at no charge to families will ensure that students across Virginia have the nutrition they need for healthy development, optimal learning, and positive health outcomes. By providing healthy school meals for all students, we can also reduce administrative burden placed on cafeteria staff, and eliminate school meal debt for families. Thank you for your consideration.

Please support HB 702. We are hoping to secure the removal of the Basic Aid Cap placed on our School funding in 2008. While our costs as a district have increased over the last 15 years, our Aid has not. We are in a position of needing to fund reasonable teacher salary increases this year and into the future. The fiscal impact of additional $1m in basic and funding for the smallest counties in Virginia will not materially affect our state budget. The funding is included in the Governor’s Budget for the biennium, and HB 702 extends this funding by lifting the Basic Aid Cap. It’s fair and equitable to continue this aid. HB 702 will provide small but very meaningful support for our smallest Districts like Rappahannock County. Our School Board is committed to excellence in stewardship of these funds to support excellence in education for our community. Thank you for your time and attention to helping small communities throughout the Commonwealth. Rachel Bynum, Rappahannock County School Board, Piedmont District Representative

Mr. Chairman and Honorable Members of this Committee: My name is Gary J. Aichele, and I’m a resident of Rappahannock County. I am writing to urge you to vote in favor of HB 702. Section 22.1-98.2, Code of Virginia, in order to provide additional state funding for Virginia’s small, rural public schools, and specifically, to provide a more equitable distribution of state education funds to public school children and their families in Rappahannock County. As a former Chair of the Headwaters Foundation—Rappahannock County’s “Public Education Foundation”—I served as a team leader of the County’s “School Innovative Finance Task Force” (S.I.F.T.) Created by joint action of the Rappahannock County School Board and Board of Supervisors, and co-chaired by the Superintendent and County Administrator, this community-led initiative engaged in a detailed and comprehensive analysis of how public education in Rappahannock County is funded. Among its most important findings and recommendations was the following: “The underlying [S.I.F.T. analysis] should be used to justify the need for supplemental State relief to the very small group of unique counties that are similarly disadvantaged by the LCI formula. As such, supplemental state aid in lieu of LCI-based funding should be explored with [S.I.F.T. analysis] provided as evidence of the disadvantages experienced by a small group of peer localities.” Less than four counties in the Commonwealth qualify for the supplemental basic aid subsidy, but only Rappahannock County and Highland County have ever taken advantage of the program. Highland County is empowered to take full advantage of supplemental basic aid with no cap, but Rappahannock County is burdened by an arbitrary cap that was set in 2008 and has not been adjusted since then. While the overall fiscal impact of approving HB 702 is minimal as the funds have already been appropriated in the Governor’s proposed budget, the additional funding provided by this bill would represent long-overdue corrective action to the LCI-based funding formula while the General Assembly works toward implementing the JLARC recommendations. Rappahannock County tax payers face unique challenges as they struggle to provide 80% of the funding necessary to support a rural public school system that serves a small but diverse student population. Not surprisingly, HB 702 has broad, bipartisan support in Rappahannock County, as it would provide a more equitable distribution of state funds in support of public education for public school students throughout the Commonwealth—regardless of where they live. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and for your support for HB 702. Sincerely, Gary J. Aichele Washington, VA

Honorable House Labor and Commerce Sub-Committee members, my name is Debbie Donehey, and I am the Board of Supervisors Chair for Rappahannock County. I am writing to support the passage of HB702 in order to remove the cap placed on the amount of supplemental basic aid received by Rappahannock County Public Schools. The General Assembly recognized in 2008 the importance of additional funding for small, rural schools that meet the following restrictive criteria: school divisions serving fewer than 1,100 students in the prior school year, in a locality that has a local composite index (LCI) of 0.600 or greater, and has 65 percent or more of its local taxes generated from real estate taxes when an eligible county enters into a cooperative agreement with adjacent counties. To our knowledge, this additional funding stream has been available to four school divisions uniquely caught in the web of being very small with a very high LCI. In Rappahannock County, for inexplicable reasons, our LCI is maxed out at 0.800. This is for a farming community with no industry to speak of and very limited commercial activity (the way our comprehensive plan envisions). For reasons that are unclear, there was a cap placed on the amount of Supplemental Basic Aid funding only for Rappahannock County (not other divisions). HB702 seeks to remove that cap and allow the funding to catch up to 15 years of inflation pressures. As we are sure you are aware, JLARC recently published their report in response to SJ294. Within that report, JLARC made many important recommendations. Some were suggested to be implemented in the short term, and others were suggested to be implemented in the long term. Pertinent to the topic of HB702 is JLARC’s recognition that the cost per student is substantially higher for divisions with fewer students. Their analysis showed that the smallest of the small schools, like Rappahannock County Public Schools, were particularly hard hit by this relationship. Specifically, it revealed that the smallest school divisions had per-student costs exceeding 150% of an average school division. Their recommendation to address this relationship was suggested to be implemented in the long term. Supplemental Basic Aid, in general, and the removal of the cap as proposed by HB702, are critically important to Rappahannock County Public Schools to bridge the gap between now and the eventuality when we hope a long-term structural correction will be implemented to help all small schools rather than only those that are caught in the web of being both very small and having a very high LCI. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Dear Chair and Honorable Members of the Committee, My name is Steph Ridder and I am Chair of the Headwaters Foundation, a nonprofit organization supporting the public schools of Rappahannock County. I am writing to ask for your support of HB 702, section 22.1-98.2 of the Code of Virginia.This Bill removes an arbitrary cap placed on Supplemental Basic Aid to Rappahannock Public Schools, aid that was supposed to help remedy the inequities of the LCI. As a result of the LCI , Rappahannock County Public Schools receive only 20% of their funding from the State. Additionally, our local property tax revenues are very small because most of the land is in agricultural use and is taxed at a lower than fair market rate. The LCI presumes that agricultural land is taxed at fair market value and hence assumes we receive higher tax revenue than we do. In a nutshell: In 2007 legislation was passed to try to remedy the inequitable burden placed by the LCI on rural counties like Rappahannock. Chapter 847 of the Acts of 2007 allowed rural counties to enter into cooperative agreements with neighboring counties with lower LCIs. This remedied the problem until 2008 when a cap was put on the level of State support allowed. Only Rappahannock County and possibly Highland County were affected by this cap but it has had a devastating impact on our school funding. HB 702 eliminates the cap and enables Rappahannock to receive sufficient Supplemental Basic Aid to provide our children with a quality education. The cost of this change to the State is minimal but the benefit to the students in Rappahannock is substantial. Thank you so much for your attention and I hope you will support HB 702. Sincerely, Steph Ridder 90 Last Resort Lane Flint Hill, VA. 22627

Mr. Chairman and Honorable Members of this Committee, My name is John Wesley Mills, Chairman of the Rappahannock County School Board and I am in full support of HB 702. I want to thank you in advance for your consideration and affirm voting in favor of HB 702. Section 22.1-98.2, Code of Virginia, provides additional state funding to small, rural schools. HB 702's predecessor bill had unanimous support of the House. Its intent was to remove a cap placed on this supplemental basic aid in 2008 preventing Rappahannock County from receiving the full value of this subsidy. This cap has not been lifted, resulting in restricting the allocation to a funding level now 15 years old. Please consider supporting HB 702 which will allow Rappahannock County to receive the full funding for which this provision was originally designed. The timing of this bill is crucial for our county with the high costs of post-pandemic education, the depletion of ESSER funds, and the need for investing in retaining our teachers. Thank you so much for your support and consideration of this important legislation. Sincerely, John Wesley Mills

Comments Document

Mr. Chairman, Honorable Members of this Committee, My name is Dr. Shannon Grimsley, Superintendent and Cheerleader in Chief of Rappahannock County Public School and I am in full support of HB 702. I want to thank you in advance for your consideration and voting in favor of HB 702. Section 22.1-98.2, Code of Virginia, provides additional state funding to small, rural schools who meet the following restrictive criteria: school divisions serving fewer than 1,100 students in the prior school year, in a locality that has a local composite index (LCI) of .6000 or greater, and has 65 percent or more of its local taxes generated from real estate taxes when an eligible county enters into a cooperative agreement with adjacent counties to allow supplemental aid to be based on the adjacent county’s LCI. This code helps to offset the impact of our county suffering from a very high LCI with very little ability to raise sufficient revenue to fund our school system. However, a cap placed on this supplemental basic aid in 2008 prevents Rappahannock County from receiving the full value of this subsidy. This cap has not been lifted or changed to account for annual adjustments for rising costs, resulting in restricting the allocation to a funding level 15 years old. Please consider supporting HB 702 which will allow Rappahannock County to receive the full funding for which this provision was designed. The total fiscal effect of this action on state funding is minimal as it currently only impacts Rappahannock County and is already appropriated in the Governor’s proposed budget. The timing of this bill could not be more crucial for our county with the high costs of post-pandemic education, the depletion of ESSER funds, and the need for investing in retaining our teachers. Thank you so much for your support and consideration of this important legislation. Sincerely, Dr. Shannon Grimsley

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I’m in support of this bill as a way to help safely get our kids to school, while using an environmentally friendly form of transportation. Secondly, the Bike Bus teaches safety, creates community and forms lasting relationships.

I support all active transportation initiatives - especially bike buses and walk buses for students.

My name is Justine Blincoe, I am the Policy Director of Greater Richmond Fit4Kids. We support HB 937. This is an important opportunity to promote active forms of student transportation. Many students rely on walking, biking, and rolling to school each day. This bill will help ensure that they are able to do so safely, alongside their peers, led by a trusted adult. Traveling together in a walk or bike bus helps reduce absenteeism, builds social skills, and teaches pedestrian safety. It is also fun! Please consider the safety and health of our students, and vote yes on HB 937. Thank you!

Comments Document

Please find my letter in support of HB937 - supporting active student transportation - attached. Thank you

As someone who lives close to schools, I support bills that offer students transportation alternatives. Innovative approaches such as bike buses are safe, reduce traffic congestion, teach students skills they can use throughout their lives (namely that riding a bicycle is a viable form of transportation), and cut government costs.

This bill would be incredibly important to my community, my neighbors, and the future of Virginia. Active student transportation like bike buses and walking school buses make an incredible difference in the community and students lives. I've helped volunteer to organize and chaperone some of them (here's a video! https://pss.pm/bikebus-dec1) — it's something that has brought together students across ages, teachers, parents, public safety officials and other public servants. It has so many benefits for the students, to do something active before they get to school, on their health and wellbeing. And likewise, this is an incredibly impactful and inspiring way to save costs and create benefits in our community — as the climate emergency worsens. These are the transitions we need to be making, and thank you for championing it. It will make a big difference on levels of pollution, youth wellbeing, and ultimately the kind of communities and state we have here in Virginia. Whether it's a place that people want to bring their kids up in, and bring on new generations.

support active student transportation! it's great for their well being in so many regards: physical health, mental health, agency and participation in the world, comfort and security in their neighborhoods, etc. etc.. also the bus system is expensive and harried, give them a break and support more students walking and biking!

I strongly support legislation that advances healthy transportation options for kids including biking and walking.

I organize a bikebus for our neighborhood's elementary school. Our bikebus has brought a lot of joy to the kids who participate. Besides the fun they get to have riding to school and the obvious physical benefits, studies show children who walk and bike to school have increased brain activity and are better prepared to start their school day. We should be doing everything possible to encourage more activities like this. I support this bill and hope that more bills that provide funding for safer, better infrastructure soon follow.

Walking school bus programs are a GREAT way to help busy parents, connect generations and families, and make sure everyone gets exercise (with socialization), as well as offering important pedestrian safety. It's a no-brainer, and especially in areas with multi-family housing. An investment that connects people and neighborhoods, helps the environment, takes cars off the road. Bike to school groups do a similar thing for older students. Resources to teach both individual and group bike safety are essential. This is a SOCIAL activity. I'm ancient, but I remember walking to junior high in Bethesda, home for lunch, back for the afternoon, and home again: 1.5 miles each way, so 6 miles total daily, thanks to 1950s suburban sprawl subdivisions with limited/no sidewalks. There were NO safe bike routes, curving hilly streets, and little biking culture. In DC I had done this more easily, on sidewalks, on a street grid.

All Virginia school boards should continue to seek healthy viable transportation alternatives for their students without fear of losing transportation funds for those that require it. We can encourage innovation without the fear of penalty by passing this bill.

This bill is incredibly important for the children in our community and the safety of our city as a whole. As a resident of Richmond city (zip code 23220) I support this Bill!

My name is Mary Dunne Stewart, I am the Director of Greater Richmond Fit4Kids, a local nonprofit dedicated to improving children’s health and wellness in the Richmond region. Fit4Kids offers innovative programs that promote physical activity and nutrition in schools, as well as community education and family engagement, to support building healthy habits for the whole family. I am writing in support of HB 937.

 Our organization oversees the Richmond City Safe Routes to School program, which encourages students to walk and bike safely to school. We have seen multiple benefits of students using active transportation to get to school, including building daily physical activity into the school day, reducing absenteeism, and building community with other students. For some students, using active transportation, whether it is walking, biking, or rolling to school, is their only mode of transport. We want to ensure that this is done safely, and in community with others when possible, through walking and/or biking school buses. This bill would help make this possible, by ensuring that walk/bike buses are supported and planned, with established leaders who are compensated and consistently able to lead. Walking/biking school buses are especially important for younger students who rely on active transportation, in the event that a parent is unable to walk or roll on a given day.  
Please support HB 937! 

I am in full support of providing safe, alternative routes to school for children that removes transportation barriers. Most students do not have access to safe transportation and providing more ways for them to get to, and stay in school should be top priority.

I am writing to express enthusiastic support for HB181, HB187, HB748, and HB937 as an educator and strong advocate of reducing VMT as a way to combat the climate crisis. HB748 is a fantastic way to mitigate the climate crisis, by providing incentives for e-bikes. Most car trips are under 3 miles, and an electric assist bicycle can obviate some of the disadvantages of using a standard bicycle. Reducing VMT, meanwhile, remains a crucial part of slowing the climate crisis. It's not enough just to have more electric cars - we need fewer cars, period, and e-bikes are a great solution! I support 937 as an advocate of Safe Routes to Schools programs for similar reasons. Active transportation to get to school - like bike buses, walking, etc. - are also wonderful for kids' mental health and physical fitness. I support 181 because it will be good for both students and counselors. And as a teacher, I know how underpaid educators are and 187 will help fix that.

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No comment

Very important to vote. Thank you.

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Very important to vote. Thank you.

Very important to vote. Thank you.