Gov. Wolf Launches 'Universal' Free Breakfast Program For PA Schools

HARRISBURG, PA — Breakfast is now free at every school in Pennsylvania under a new $21.5 million program launched by Gov. Tom Wolf.

The program applies to both private and public schools, and will launch on Oct. 1. It's estimated that 1.7 million students could benefit.

“It is completely unacceptable for a child to start the day hungry,” Gov. Wolf said in a statement. "Regardless of whether or not they qualify for free or reduced meals normally, every student enrolled in public or private schools will have the opportunity to feed their belly before they feed their mind this school year."

It's the continuation of a pandemic program that provided free meals through the U.S. Department of Agriculture until the end of last school year. Breakfast consumption in Pennsylvania schools increased by 16 percent during the time when it was provided for free, according to state statistics.

"Research supports that a well-nourished child who starts the day with breakfast is more likely to be at school, has improved concentration and is more willing to participate in the classroom," School Nutrition Association of Pennsylvania Communications Chair Melissa Froehlich added. "Universal free breakfast for all students in Pennsylvania will strengthen child nutrition programs and address equity and stigma around school breakfast so that more children will have access to nutritious meals and set our students up for success in the classroom.”

Funding comes from the state's School Food Services General Fund appropriation. Schools who are not currently part of the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs can apply online for the new state program.