Fair Lawn students and parents weigh in on the possibility of free universal breakfast at schools in NJ

I would personally really like that option. I think it's good that all students are constantly fed and well because it helps for brain function. Fairlawn High School senior Mia Steinberg and her classmate Ava were on their lunch break from school while telling us without hesitation they are all in on universal breakfast. I would definitely take advantage. I don't eat in the morning, so I would definitely take advantage of it. The idea is being floated by state assembly speaker Craig Coughlin, who is saying studies have shown that childhood hunger impedes learning and can cause lifelong health problems. We know there are still thousands of eligible children who do not participate in free school breakfast programs. In Fairlawn, as in most districts all around New Jersey, free and reduced lunch is provided for families who qualify under income guidelines. For instance, a family of four in New Jersey would qualify if they have a yearly income of just under $70,000. dollars. But that eligibility can create embarrassment among some students who may not eat even when families qualify. Supporters say if all are allowed to eat, no one is singled out. As of now, there are no details outlined in a bill concerning cost that could be leveled on districts or the type of food that may be provided. So opposition is hard to find. In fact, state assembly Republicans we called on said they'd like to see specifics before weighing in. Yet some parents we spoke with say it would be a great help if breakfast was offered at school. It's sometimes a bit of a struggle, you know, to get him to sit down and have a nice hearty breakfast. So if that was something that the school could take care of for me, it's one less thing on my plate, no pun intended. In Fairlawn, I'm Chris Keating, News 12 New Jersey.