Ervin Presses Lawmakers for School Breakfast Funding

Montgomery County Councilmember Valerie Ervin urged state lawmakers Wednesday to allot additional funding to significantly increase that number of children in the state that get breakfast and for more funding for Maryland Meals for Achievement.

In Prince George's County, over the last three years, the number of children qualifying for free or reduced-price meals has increased by nearly 20 percent. That means there are more than 70,000 children now falling below 185 percent of the federal poverty level, according to a news release by Ervin.

The county has more than 150 schools that qualify for the Maryland Meals for Achievement program, but only 27 schools are funded this year.

“As a mom I know how miserable my boys get when a meal is late. How can we expect any child to be able to focus and learn without regular, healthy meals,” said Delegate Jolene Ivey, who chairs the Prince George’s Delegation. “Maryland Meals for Achievement fills students’ stomachs so they can concentrate on filling their brains.”