TULSA, OKLA (KTUL) — Oklahoma schools are still grappling with how to fund universal free lunches after a state directive from last year failed to fully take effect. Lawmakers are now preparing to debate House Bill 2095, which aims to provide state funding for free school meals.
State Rep. Mickey Dollens criticized the 205-state mandate from former State Superintendent Ryan Walters, saying it left school districts without a viable way to implement the plan. “This was one of Ryan Walters’ empty promises when he abandoned his post at state superintendent of Oklahoma,” Dollens said.
Without legislation or new funding, districts were expected to cover the costs themselves, a burden many could not bear. The issue is pressing as child hunger remains widespread, with Feeding America reporting that one in four children in Oklahoma faces hunger.
Advocates from Hunger Free Oklahoma, who did not support the original unfunded state mandate, are backing the new bill.
Chris Bernard, president and CEO of Hunger Free Oklahoma, said, “There are plenty of folks we would classify as middle income that are struggling day to day to make ends meet. Universal free meals means every kid has access and reduces the stigma for families that may be ashamed to access the benefit.”
Dollens noted that the current superintendent, Lindel Fields, supports the idea but emphasizes the need for proper funding and time for schools to implement the plan. “The current superintendent Lindel Fields said he agrees with the idea, but it needs to be done correctly, it needs to be funded, and we need to give schools time to implement this,” Dollens said.
House Bill 2095, which aims to expand universal free lunches, is set to be discussed when lawmakers return to the capitol in February. NewsChannel 8 reached out to Superintendent Lindel Fields for comment on the mandate and the bill but have not yet heard back.
