Bennett-Parker's free school breakfast bill advances with bipartisan support
The Alexandria delegate is championing the legislation while running for state Senate
A bill by Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, D-Alexandria, to provide free breakfast to all K-12 students in Virginia is advancing through the General Assembly with bipartisan support.
House Bill 96 cleared the House Education Committee on Tuesday on an 18-4 vote after passing unanimously out of the K-12 subcommittee earlier that morning. It has been referred to the House Appropriations Committee.
“On Tuesday morning, I presented HB96 to provide school breakfast for all,” Bennett-Parker wrote in a newsletter to constituents on Thursday. “I was excited it passed out of subcommittee unanimously (and has since passed the full committee); it will now head to the Appropriations Committee.”
The legislation would require all public schools to participate in the federal School Breakfast Program and offer breakfast at no cost to any student who requests one, unless a parent opts out in writing. The state Department of Education would reimburse schools for each meal served, covering the difference between what the federal government pays and the full cost.
The bill also directs schools to maximize breakfast participation by implementing service models such as grab-and-go options, serving breakfast in classrooms, or offering meals after the instructional day begins. It is a recommendation of the Virginia Commission to End Hunger.
A companion bill, Senate Bill 4 by Sen. Danica Roem, D-Prince William, cleared the Senate Education Committee unanimously Thursday and will head to Finance and Appropriations, the Virginia Mercury reported.
For Bennett-Parker, who holds a master’s degree in anthropology of food from the University of London and founded Fruitcycle, a social enterprise combating food waste, the bill aligns with her longtime focus on food access. She also co-led Together We Bake, a nonprofit job training program for women.
Bennett-Parker is advancing the legislation while simultaneously campaigning for State Senate District 39 in a Feb. 10 special election against Republican Julie Robben Lineberry.
Sarah Steely, director of No Kid Hungry Virginia, told the Mercury that a 2025 survey found 45% of respondents said their debt increased in the past year due to rising food costs.
“I really do think about this through the lens of supporting our parents and caregivers,” Steely said. “We can make their lives easier, and that is reason enough to do this bill.”