As a mom, I have many memories of back to school season. The long summer days start to fade into fall. Pen and marker stains start to show up on clothes. And, of course, brown bag lunches start to sit on the kitchen tables again. However, I know that parents sometimes struggle to afford back-to-school clothes, supplies and lunches. These days, all of those costs and expenses can really add up, making it hard for families to make ends meet. That’s why I’m so excited that my colleagues and I in the Maine Legislature made universal free school meals a reality. No matter who you are, where you come from or how much money you make, your child is eligible for free breakfast and lunch at their public school.

Earlier this year, Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, introduced a bill to expand access to free school meals. During the public hearing for the bill, Biddeford’s Kelly Roberts shared powerful testimony: “We cannot go back to the way we used to feed kids at school because it was not working. Too many children were going hungry. (Free school meal) need to become a permanent solution for Maine students.” Gov. Janet Mills then signed the bill into law in May. The bill was funded through the biennial budget. Making school meals free for all students eliminates the stigma sometimes felt by students from families with lower incomes. Feelings of embarrassment or shame should never keep kids from getting a filling, nutritious meal that will help them grow up strong, make lifelong friends and pay attention inside the classroom. These days, kids are already under a lot of pressure, especially from of all the delays and disruptions during the pandemic. They shouldn’t have to add the stress of hunger to all of that.

Although it’s not required to ensure your kids receive free school meals, parents should still fill out the School Meal Benefit Form. By filling out the form, you’ll help your child’s school get all of the state and federal money that it’s eligible to receive. For example, family income data determines school meal reimbursements, teacher loan forgiveness and funding for special education, Title I and after school programs. If your school uses the online form, you can go to nlappscloud.com and complete the form now. It’s important to know that the forms are quick and private. If you have questions, please contact your school’s nutrition department.

By filling out the form, you’ll also be able to receive additional grocery benefits through the Pandemic EBT Program if you qualify. Pandemic EBT is a grocery benefit that covers the cost of school meals when your child misses school due to COVID-19 closures or absences. If you have questions about Pandemic EBT, please call 1-855-797-4357, ext. 5, or email P-EBT.DHHS@Maine.gov.

Going back to school should be a fun time. Everyone in the community wants to see their kids and students do well. Throughout my legislative career, I’ve worked hard to help families get through the hard times — and celebrate the good times. I think that free school meals might be one of the programs that I’m most proud of.

Although I will not be returning to the Legislative next year, please continue to contact me with your comments, concerns and questions. It’s been an honor serving you.

Susan Deschambault represents Senate District 32, Alfred, Arundel, Biddeford, Dayton, Kennebunkport and Lyman. She can be reached at Susan.Deschambault@legislature.maine.gov or 207-287-1515.