(Louisiana Radio Network) Louisiana students who received reduced-price lunches and breakfast will be able to get those meals at no cost now thanks to Marrero Representative Kyle Green’s legislation. Green says because Louisiana is such an impoverished state there’s a great need to also provide meals to these 7,000 students.

“Any relief that we can give to parents and children assuring that they get breakfast and lunch while they’re at school is a big help to ensuring the success of students in the classroom,” said Green.

Providing additional free meals will cost the state about $859,000. Green says it’s an investment in the education of students because you can’t learn on an empty stomach. 

“When students don’t have the ability to pay for their lunch they’re having to get basically snacks as opposed to a meal of substance,” said Green. 

The Governor agreed.

“Hungry kids can’t learn,” Edwards said in a statement to USA Today Network. “Rep. Green’s legislation benefits thousands of children who will no longer have to struggle through empty stomachs and the social stigma of not having food to eat at school.

“It’s just one more important investment we’ve made in public education, as we work to improve outcomes and prepare our young people for success.”

Edwards said he hopes to schedule a ceremonial signing of the bill with Green at a school once classes begin.

“I wanted to do something I thought could both have a meaningful impact but also pass,” Green said. “It’s always been one of the things I’ve wanted to tackle.”

Green credited advocates like the Louisiana Budget Project for helping him make the case for his bill and for colleagues in the House and Senate who helped him get the legislation across the finish line before the clock ran out on the session.

“Something like this gives me hope and energy to keep working hard for wins for those who need it most,” Green said.

Green says another benefit of the bill is that it will end the practice of lunch shaming in schools and he is hoping to expand free breakfast and lunch eligibility next year.

“I’m planning to shoot for universal free breakfast and lunch,” Green said, though the cost for that would be about $40 million. “But this is a great start.”