WOODBRIDGE, Va., Nov. 16, 2026 – The American Heart Association has announced its continued support for statewide legislation that will ensure all Virginia public school students are guaranteed healthy school meals at no cost.
The Association leads the Virginia Healthy School Meals for All Coalition and has worked alongside Senator Danica Roem and Senator Elizabeth Bennett-Parker since 2024 on legislation to ensure no-cost school meals for all Virginia public school students. In 2027, the Virginia Healthy School Meals for All Coalition will continue to advocate for legislation to provide no-cost school breakfast to all public school students as an interim step towards full Healthy School Meals for All.
On Saturday, Oct. 24, the Association and Capital Area Food Bank hosted a community conversation to launch the 2027 campaign. Legislators, community leaders, and parents were among attendees.
“Hunger in a child can present as headaches, difficulty focusing or difficulty regulating their behavior,” said local pediatrician and Food Insecurity Committee Chair for the Virginia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Mona Rewari, M.D., FAAP, DipABLM. “Without the basic foundation of nutritious food, a child’s growth, development and ability to learn are significantly affected, making it difficult to succeed in school and increasing the risk of future health and social issues. Providing healthy school meals for all removes the barrier and stigma of food uncertainty so all children can have the opportunity to reach their potential and thrive.”
“I’m grateful for the American Heart Association’s constant advocacy for feeding hungry kids in schools,” said Virginia State Senator Danica Roem. “A strong heart starts with healthy, consistent, affordable meals and that’s why I’ll be reintroducing my legislation to provide breakfast for all students at no charge during the 2027 Virginia General Assembly session. I’m grateful for the strong bipartisan support we had for SB 4 earlier this year when it passed the Senate Education and Health Committee 14-0 and I’m hopeful 2027 will be the year we finally get it into the budget. “
“For families facing food insecurity, access to healthy school meals can make a meaningful difference—not only in children’s ability to learn and thrive, but also in a household’s ability to stretch its food budget,” said Radha Muthiah, president and CEO of the Capital Area Food Bank. “Ensuring every student has access to nutritious meals at school, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances, is an important step toward reducing food insecurity, supporting academic success, and helping children reach their full potential in the classroom and beyond.”
“Healthy School Meals for All is about ensuring every student arrives in the classroom ready to learn,” said Gonzalo Aida, Virginia state government relations director for the American Heart Association. “It is a practical investment in healthier students, stronger schools and a brighter future for our Commonwealth.”
New research from the Federation of Virginia Food Banks finds that half of all Virginia households with children experience food insecurity. Studies also show that no-cost school meals benefit students, families and entire communities. School meals improve student nutrition, health and academic performance. For families, they reduce food insecurity and poverty.
Virginia residents interested in getting involved with the campaign and other local advocacy opportunities can sign up for Heart Powered here.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Hannah Ross: hannah.ross@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
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