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Pending legislation

Ohio

Policy Snapshot

Pending or Introduced School Meals for All legislation

Temporary Expanded Access

Temporary free school meals for students who qualify for reduced-price meals.

36.10%

of students are eligible for free or reduced-price school lunch.*

Policy Landscape

Ohio has made progress toward expanding school meal access, though efforts have faced some setbacks. In 2023, state lawmakers approved a budget provision that covered the cost of meals for students eligible for reduced-price lunch, helping more families access school nutrition programs. However, the continuation of this funding is uncertain as the General Assembly debates the next state budget. In February 2024, HB 408 was introduced to establish free school meals for all students, but the bill ultimately died in committee, leaving Ohio without a clear path to universal school meals for now.

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Dig Deeper

Article Image
May 15, 2025

Ohio’s school meal participation rose over the last year, reducing food insecurity, study shows

Ohio Capital Journal | Susan Tebben
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June 7, 2024

Ohio bill may change student meal policy

WDTN | Carlos Mathis
Article Image
February 2024

House Bill 408 - Require public schools to provide meals and related services

Ohio Legislature

Legislative & Advocacy Resources

Legislative profile

Governor

State Legislature

Ohio

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*Source: NCES

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FoodCorps is a non-partisan, non-profit organization. FoodCorps staff and FoodCorps AmeriCorps members may not participate in advocacy or lobbying activities during work time charged to an AmeriCorps funded grant or while earning AmeriCorps service hours. No federal funds were used to prepare or distribute advocacy content.

Last updated June 06, 2025