SENATE BILL NO. 213 "An Act providing for funding for school lunch and breakfast." GEORGE ESCOTT, STAFF, SENATOR BILL WIELECHOWSKI, thanked the committee and the sponsors for bringing the legislation to Senator Wielechowski's attention. He explained that SB 213 will provide a state match for schools participating in the federal Free and Reduced Price School Breakfast and Lunch Program. It will encourage more schools to provide nutritious meals for underprivileged children and allow schools that already do so to improve their programs. For every free and reduced-price breakfast the federal program funds, the state will provide a match of 35 cents. For every free and reduced-price lunch the federal program funds, the state will provide a match of 15 cents. Mr. Escott reported that a large majority of states make some contribution to school lunches and breakfasts. Alaska is one of the few that does not. Under this legislation most schools will receive some assistance through a funding formula based on the applicable school district cost factor. Numerous studies have documented that eliminating hunger in children increases school performance, increases school attendance, decreases school violence, and combats obesity. By dealing with these programs now, the state will prevent more costly future problems. Mr. Escott added that there were numerous letters of support for this legislation. 9:45:41 AM Co-Chair Stedman noted one fiscal note from the Department of Education and Early Development reflecting the cost of establishing the program for $1,671,30 in general funds for FY 11. 9:46:07 AM ROBIN STILWELL, DIRECTOR, FOOD BANK OF ALASKA, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke of the advantages of funding breakfasts and lunches at school. She related the cuts in federal funds and how some schools are run under a fund deficit. She used Haines as an example of a school that does provide meals, but that does not participate in the National School Lunch Program. In some communities the schools do not receive a federal match because they don't have the staff to administer the federal program. She estimated that over 10,000 meals are missed each day by Alaskan students that eligible for reduced meal programs. She testified in support of SB 213. 9:48:42 AM DEAN HAMBURG, ALASKA SCHOOL NUTRITION ASSOCIATION, SOLDOTNA (via teleconference), spoke in favor of SB 213. He related facts about USDA support to schools for meals. He said that 40 percent of Alaskan families qualify for school meals. He called SB 213 a meaningful and effective support to assist with school meal programs. 9:50:57 AM Senator Huggins noted that he and others support quality nutrition programs in the schools. He voiced concern whether the increase in funding would increase the quality of the meals. He referred to an example of a meal he thought was unhealthy. He wondered what controls were used to ensure quality meals. Mr. Hamburg reported that USDA school meal programs are current with nutrition requirements and are closely aligned with standards. He stated that his program is an example of good nutrition. 9:55:28 AM Co-Chair Stedman questioned the inequities in the fiscal note. EDDY JEANS, DIRECTOR, SCHOOL FINANCES AND FACILITIES, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND EARLY DEVELOPMENT, could not answer why there was a wide discrepancy in the number of school lunches from each district. Co-Chair Stedman commented on how important school meals are. He noted a higher incidence of meals served in rural areas.