Rep. Flowers & Rep. Harper Working to End Childhood Hunger in Local Schools

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – With more than 13 million children nationwide living in food insecure homes, a measure supported by state Rep. Mary E. Flowers, D-Chicago, and state Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, aims to end childhood hunger in schools throughout the state of Illinois.

“Children are the innocent ones in these situations, so none of them deserve to go through their days hungry because their parents are struggling to afford lunch at school,” said Flowers. “If a child were in a home and were hungry from not eating adequately, the parents would immediately be arrested and have the children taken from them. This measure holds both parents and schools accountable for keeping children nourished. It ensures that children have the nutrition needed at school to take on their day, grow and develop to their best selves.”

Harper and Flowers are a chief co-sponsor and co-sponsor of Senate Bill 2428, respectively. The measure creates the “Hunger-Free Students’ Bill of Rights Act.” Under the act, meals are required to be given to children regardless of their ability to pay. This will ensure that children have the nutrition to be successful and focused. The act also prevents food shaming of students who cannot afford lunch to ensure they aren’t alienated.

“No child across Illinois should go to school on an empty stomach,” said Harper. “If our children are our future, then they deserve to be well-nourished and taken care of by their parents, teachers and schools to reach their full potential. Providing them with school meals they need will make students more productive and focused on doing the best they can each day.”

Flowers represents the 31st District, which includes portions of the Auburn-Gresham community in Chicago, Oak Lawn, Chicago Ridge, Countryside and others. For more information, please contact Rep. Flowers’ constituent service office at 773-471-5200 or email her at maryeflowers@ilga.gov.