South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden signed a bill regarding free and reduced school meals into law on Friday.
The bill would expand the state’s support for the program by paying ¢0.30 for breakfast and ¢0.40 for lunch for kids eligible for reduced meals. Which is about $600,000 per year.
After extensive discussion about the cost and a revival, the bill passed through the legislature.
Representative Kaydn Wittman, a Sioux Falls Democrat, has been advocating for the expansion for the past four years.
In a statement, Wittman said the passage is a significant step forward in the fight against food insecurity and shows statewide support that no child should be hungry in a classroom.
Previously, the bill failed to gain proponents, but in this legislative session it has seen encouraging bipartisan support.
Other education bills Rhoden signed into law include giving school boards authority to find alternative settings for students and changing the amount set aside for expenses incurred in providing special education programs.
