Thousands of Michigan students could lose access to free and reduce-priced meals at school, if a bill U.S. lawmakers have cooked up gains more traction.
Congress is considering scaling back the free lunch program. The legislation was pushed through a house committee by Republicans.
The measure includes "block grants" for some schools, that means states would no longer get unlimited federal money for students who qualify for lunches.
The legislation would also roll back some of the healthier school nutrition rules. Some schools have said these rules, championed by First Lady Michelle Obama, are too restrictive, and that students leave food behind, uneaten.
Republicans sponsoring the bill say it better targets taxpayer dollars and still ensures that kids with the highest need get meals.
But, advocates from the American Heart Association and more criticized the plan, saying it could mean some kids will go hungry at school.
Schools that accept federal reimbursements for free and reduced-price meals have to follow government nutrition rules.
In Mid-Michigan, schools like Elmwood and Colt Elementary in the Waverly School District, Vandercook Lake's Townsend Elementary, and 165 more schools in Michigan could see cuts.
We will let you know if the bill passes in the house.
