Rep. Fred Deutsch (R-Florence) has introduced a bill aiming to provide free school meals for K-8 students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, offering a cost-effective alternative to a previous proposal.
This follows Rep. Kadyn Wittman’s (D-Sioux Falls) earlier attempt to secure free school meals for all K-12 students, regardless of income eligibility, which was rejected last session.
Wittman’s bill faced opposition and a fiscal note estimating costs at $38.6 million, while Deutsch’s more targeted bill, estimated to cost $394,095, may gain more support due to its lower financial impact.
South Dakota’s recent surpluses and a pilot program in Sioux Falls School District, where all eligible students receive free school lunch, have added momentum to these proposals.
Deutsch’s bill seeks reimbursement for school districts from the South Dakota Department of Education, with families required to complete meal applications to determine eligibility.
Wittman, though supportive of Deutsch’s efforts, continues to advocate for broader access to nutritious school meals, emphasizing the importance of feeding children regardless of their parents’ financial situation.