Rep. Lilly Fights to End Childhood Hunger in Community Schools

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – With more than 13 million children nationwide living in food insecure homes, a measure supported by state Rep. Camille Y. Lilly, D-Chicago, aims to end childhood hunger in Illinois schools.

“Children do not deserve to go to their school on an empty stomach, wondering when and where their next meal is coming from,” said Lilly. “It’s a unsettling that their parents are struggling to make ends meet while putting their child’s interest ahead of themselves, but it’s an even worse situation when children go to school hungry. Many children rely on their schools for a healthy meal, and they should be afforded that basic human right.”

Lilly’s Senate Bill 2428 creates the Hunger-Free Students’ Bill of Rights Act. Under the act, meals must be given to children regardless of their ability to pay and allowing every student the opportunity to be fed, successful and focused. Schools could not practice “food shaming” in which children unable to pay are given a different meal or snack from students with the ability to pay.

“This legislation applies to both public and private schools to ensure that no child would be left out from this program,” said Lilly. “Policies like these make sure that our children have no undue barrier to success through no fault of their own, and have a fully equal opportunity to do their very best in school.”

Rep. Lilly represents the 78th District, which includes parts of Chicago, Elmwood Park, Franklin Park, Oak Park, Melrose Park and River Grove. If you need to contact her office, please call 708-613-5939 or email her at StateRepCamilleYLilly@gmail.com.