Not everyone thinks following what goes on in Olympia during legislative session is exciting, but we’re guessing you’ll cheer on a bill which would help feed low-income children in Washington schools.

A bill that passed the House supports thousands of children who are low income and food-insecure. That’s good news since Washington rates a dismal 45 out of 50 states when it comes to low-income students participating in breakfast and lunch programs.

House Bill 1508 includes and supports “Breakfast After the Bell,” a United Way program which gives kids in high-need schools food where and when it matters. Schools where at least 70% of students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals would be required to offer breakfast after the start of the school day.

Research shows students who eat breakfast have better attendance, improved test scores, and are overall more likely to do better in school.

Washington’s low ranking for participation is unacceptable. We can do better. We can feed kids nutritious school breakfast while they’re learning. We can leverage $24 million in federal funds to help reach 25,000 kids across the state daily.

At United Way, we’re excited and encouraged by the passage of HB 1508 but we’re only halfway there. We need Senate support so be a bell ringer for us. Contact your Washington State senator and voice your support for breakfast in schools so children can start their day ready to learn.