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The idea of offering universal free school meals could become a policy issue in the U.S. presidential race, experts say — especially given Vice President Kamala Harris’ choice of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate on the Democratic ticket.
The federal government offered K-12 students free school meals — regardless of household income — for two years during the Covid-19 pandemic.
That policy has since ended. However, eight states have passed laws to continue offering free meals.
Among them is Minnesota. Walz, a former teacher, signed a bill in 2023 to provide breakfast and lunch to the state’s public school students at no charge, regardless of household income.
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“Should Harris and Walz win the election, his role as vice president and his potential influence on universal school meals could …