The Policy Brief: 2025 State Policy Updates

Last month we shared a disappointing update about a proposal to cut billions in funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), among other things. The bill passed in the House of Representatives, but it’s likely to be a while before we hear anything from the Senate.

While this proposal is a setback, it’s not the only policy update affecting child nutrition. In fact, many of the most impactful changes in child nutrition policy don’t start with the federal government, but at state and local levels.

And while we await news from the Senate, as well as other federal updates, we think it’s more important than ever to highlight the amazing work happening in states across the country for child nutrition policy. 

State Policy Updates 2025

Instead of our typical quarterly update on federal happenings, today we’re sharing policy news from state legislatures, coalitions, and advocacy groups. From state school meals for all efforts to student advocates speaking up for nourishing food, here are some highlights at the state policy level—so far. 

New York Passes School Meals for All 

This year, New York became the ninth and latest state to enact a school meals for all policy. Thanks to a program newly included in the state budget, New York’s more than 2.7 million students will receive breakfast and lunch every school day at no cost to their families. 

The benefits of school meals for all are widely known: better nutrition for students, reduced stigma and stress for families, and fewer administrative hurdles for school nutrition professionals. And there are clear benefits in New York, too: A 2021 study by the nonprofit Urban Institute found that receiving free school meals improved New York City students’ perceptions of “bullying, fighting, and safety outside of school.” 

Congratulations to the Healthy School Meals for All New York Kids Coalition for their leadership on the campaign that led to this win!

Oregon Youth Show Up for Nourishing Food 

In Oregon, home to some of FoodCorps’ longest-standing partnerships, the momentum toward school meals for all is going strong. FoodCorps supported a youth-led lobby day at the state capitol in March, supporting student advocates as they met with more than 30 legislators to share their perspectives on the importance of free school meals for all. 

Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon shared a video recap of the lobby day, and the coalition shares regular updates online.

Rhode Island Gathers for Good Food Policy Day 

Speaking of advocacy days, our partners in Rhode Island have been raising their voices to champion better food policies. In March, advocates and legislators gathered at the Rhode Island State House for Good Food Policy Day, an annual event hosted by the RI Food Policy Council. 

FoodCorps joined other partners advocating for issues like composting, minimizing food waste, reducing tax burdens on small farmers, and school meals for all. Rhode Island is currently considering legislation to adopt a statewide school meals for all program that would take effect over three years, through the 2028-2029 school year. 

Maine Takes Action For Free Meals, Hands-On Learning

Maine was among the first states in the nation to adopt a statewide school meals for all program. But funding for the policy is at risk due to the federal House of Representatives’ proposed cuts to school meal programs funding. In response, state lawmakers have introduced an amended version of LD 577, an earlier school meals bill, to protect the universal school meals program and maximize federal funding toward free school meals.

In better news, Maine also recently passed legislation creating the Maine Experiential Education Program. This grant program funds food educator positions and other resources dedicated to experiential learning in food, farming, and gardening for Maine students. 

Connecticut Keeps Funding Local Food 

Connecticut lawmakers doubled down on their commitment to supporting local foods in school meal programs this legislative session. The state budget, which awaits the governor’s signature, includes close to $5 million in the CT Local Food for Schools Incentive Program, which provides funding for Connecticut-grown and regionally grown foods for schools and early childcare providers. 

FoodCorps and our partners at the CT Farm to School Collaborative led the effort to activate supporters from across the state in a Voices of Farm to School campaign. 

Tennessee Considering Free School Meals 

Tennessee may soon join the ranks of states providing free school meals to all children, regardless of their family income. A bill establishing school meals for all passed the state’s House Education Committee unanimously in March. It’s now on hold while the state House finalizes its budget. 

Feeding America reports that 1 in 5 Tennessee kids faces hunger, and more than 40% of households receiving SNAP benefits have children. We’re hopeful that Tennessee legislators will take action on establishing school meals for all, a proven way to nourish more kids. 

Utah Replaces Reduced-Price School Meals With Free

Back in March, Utah Governor Spencer Cox approved a bill categorically eliminating reduced-price lunches. Students whose families purchased meals at a reduced price—about 40,000 kids statewide—will now eat school meals at no cost to their families, starting July 1. 

Utah lawmakers are working with nonprofit The Policy Project to support other policy moves that nourish kids and families, like securing funding to expand free school meals access and adopting food-waste reduction practices in schools.

Cities, Towns Receive Grants for Community Health

Seven cities and towns were awarded grant funding from the African American Mayors Association this April to put toward community health initiatives, including community gardens, food education programming, and food distribution. The funds are intended to “help our communities make the best choices for themselves and their families.”

The recipient cities and towns are Atlanta; New Orleans; Savannah; Dumfries, Virginia; Maywood, Illinois; Earle, Arkansas; and Rankine, Pennsylvania. FoodCorps has previously partnered with AAMA to celebrate Black mayors advancing child well-being through food in school, and we’re glad to see continued investment in local food initiatives.  

Want to learn more about school food policy at the state level? Check out our Policy Action Map, where you can dig in, learn more, and take action.