EUGENE, Ore. — Monday, the Bethel School District in Eugene opened up a new free breakfast and lunch program to help families struggling with food insecurity during the summer.
"We know that students across the district, and in the area in general, have a lot of food insecurity during the summer months," said Alisha Dodds, spokesperson with Bethel. "During the school year, a lot of our families depend on school meals for breakfast, and lunch, and snacks. And we know that's true, and that that need doesn't go away during the summertime."
According to Dodds, 75 percent of the Bethel student population rely on free or reduced lunch, with the entire school district listed as a CEP (Community Eligibility Provision) district, meaning lunch and breakfast are provided at no extra cost. She adds that since the program began earlier this week, it's already seen significant participation, with nearly 200 children stopping by for free food on Monday and Tuesday.
Food insecurity, especially in children, is a widespread issue in Oregon, with the state prioritizing it this legislative session with HB 3235, which creates a $1,000 per child annual tax credit to help address food insecurity.
"We estimate [the tax credit] will help over 55,000 children in Oregon," said Julie Fahey, the house representative from District 14. "Based on what happened at the federal level, when the child tax credit was expanded in 2021, that tax credit lifted five million Americans, including three million children out of poverty."
That tax credit is available to families making less than $25,000 a year, and will be distributed after parents file their 2023 state taxes.
Bethel's program will run from June 26 to August 11, and is open to all children in the area. Willamette High School, Prairie Mountain, and Meadow View are all participating in the program, with breakfast and lunch staggered to help feed as many students and families as possible.