Contact:
Mara Powell
mpowell@kyyouth.org

Statement by Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director, Kentucky Youth Advocates

LOUISVILLE, KY – Today, we are joining many child hunger advocates, schools, and families in celebrating passage of Senate Bill 151 by the Kentucky Senate. The latest data show that nearly 273,000 eligible Kentucky kids are missing out on eating school breakfast, and, in many cases, it’s because they can’t get to school early enough due to long bus rides and other circumstances out of their control. SB 151, sponsored by Senator Jason Howell, clarifies the current law to simply give school districts the option to serve students on free and reduced meals their breakfast during the first 15 minutes of the day.

By allowing schools the administrative flexibility to use up to 15 minutes for students to have breakfast in the classroom, such as while attendance is being taken, students won’t miss out on a free meal or important instructional time and can be set up for more academic success. We thank Senator Howell for championing SB 151 and the Kentucky Senate for ensuring its passage today.

Stay up-to-date on Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children priorities and other bills that are good for kids on our Kentucky General Assembly Bill Tracker.

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About Kentucky Youth Advocates
Kentucky Youth Advocates believes all children deserve to be safe, healthy, and secure. As THE independent voice for Kentucky’s children, we work to ensure policymakers create investments and policies that are good for children. Learn more at www.kyyouth.org.