KLFY.com

Schools in Louisiana could limit meal programs

Jade Choyce

CROWLEY, La (KLFY) – More than 150 schools across Louisiana could be at risk if a bill limiting school meal programs is approved by congress.

On Wednesday afternoon, the bill passed through a committee and is now expected to move to the full house for a vote.


The legislation would affect nearly 7,000 schools nationally, and right here at home all 9 parishes across Acadiana, one being Acadia Parish.

“It would actually throw out the federal food nutrition program as we know it and would go towards funding for the states,” said Adrianne Vidrine, Child Nutrition Supervisor for Acadia Parish Schools.

According to Vidrine, that in return would affect the Community Elgibility Program, a program that provides free meals to students that attend schools in high poverty areas. She says the program has only been in place in the parish for 2 years.

“About 78% of our students receive free breakfast and lunch due to that program, and that program would not be apart of this new funding,” said Vidrine.

Vidrine says overtime all students would be affected by the school meal limitations, but mainly those on free or reduced lunch.

She says this would cause a setback for all the good work that has been done for the school meals program over the last few years.

“It would take away much needed funding we’re currently getting and put a much bigger strain on families, on the state, and on the local school district,” said Vidrine.

Vidrine’s hope is that the bill doesn’t pass.

“It is a cause for concern and we really need to watch closely what happens with the bill, but our hope is that they realize before the vote takes place that this is not the way to go,” said Vidrine.

Several other parishes across Acadiana would face the discussed cuts to school meal programs. Here’s a list of schools by parishes:Acadia Parish 

Evangeline Parish

Iberia Parish

Jefferson Davis Parish

Lafayette Parish

St. Landry Parish

St. Martin Parish

St. Mary Parish

Vermilion Parish