OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) – The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) recently implemented an order requiring all public schools in the state to provide free, healthy meals to all students.
State Superintendent Ryan Walters implemented the free lunch program last week.
“No parent should be expected to pay what is essentially a third tax in the form of school meals. Therefore, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, Superintendent Walters will be implementing free, healthy meals for ALL Oklahoma Students,” Oklahoma Education officials said.
The purpose of the order is for schools to prioritize student nutrition above administrative and other costs, ensuring students can receive free, healthy meals while at school.
The Department of Education is implementing the following three provisions by examining local districts’ budgets and making recommendations to eliminate parents’ school meal costs:
- Title 70 O.S. § 18-101(8) requires the State and the local school districts to work together to provide a financial plan that will assure full educational opportunities for every child in Oklahoma.
- Title 70 O.S. § 5-128 requires that districts submit statistical and financial reports no later than June 30 each year to the State Board of Education.
- Title 70 O.S. § 5-128.1 requires that districts submit an itemized expenditure budget no later than October 1 each year.
To help fulfill the initiative, school districts are required to immediately submit a proposed budget that includes their estimated costs to provide no-cost meals to all students.
OSDE officials will review each school budget. OSDE will suggest cost-cutting measures to districts whose budget cannot cover the costs of meals for all students, and request a new, adjusted budget.
The Department of Education will take disciplinary action against school districts that fail to work free lunches for all students into their budget, including withholding state funds and/or accreditation until the district becomes compliant.
To ensure students receive nutritious meals, OSDE will implement a rule banning food and snacks that have seed oils and artificial food dyes, and prohibiting ultra-processed foods, pesticide laden foods and junk food vending machines.
The Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus supported Walters’ free meal program.
“I was stunned and thrilled when I read about Superintendent Walters’ most recent mandate regarding free school lunches,” said Rep. Annie Menz, D-Norman. “I have filed and cosponsored legislation, cohosted bipartisan interim studies, published op-eds and held countless meetings all toward the goal of expanding the free lunch program in our schools, and I am glad someone in statewide leadership is finally listening to me. Hungry kids can’t learn, and every child deserves access to healthy nutritious meals. I hope that going forward, Mr. Walters will be more collaborative with the legislature, to determine lasting budget solutions to make this program work for our kids.”
The program will help improve student performance, said Rep. John Waldron, D-Tulsa.
“School lunch programs are proven to boost learning, improve test scores and promote healthy bodies,” Waldron said. “House Democrats have worked on this issue for a long time, and we’re glad to see OSDE taking this stand. In my district, Tulsa Public Schools already provides free lunches to all. We hope there will be an opportunity to work on this collaboratively, without disruption to local school finances so that every child has a chance to succeed.”
