On Tuesday, March 4, 2025 CJ Eaton of Antwerp High School had the opportunity to go to the Ohio Statehouse to meet with legislative aids, open a press conference, and attend an Education Committee Meeting. Meeting with the legislative aids, we discussed Ohio House Bill 97. The following is the opening from the press conference. Ohio House Bill 97 has made its way to committee for revision to add free breakfast and lunch at school for all students. This cost would be less than 1% of the state budget.
“Good morning/afternoon. My Name is Corbin Eaton, and I am a junior at Antwerp High School. I am here today because I believe that no student should have to worry about being able to eat a meal at school, regardless of their family’s financial situation.
“This is a personal issue for me. As of the end of last school year, my family no longer qualifies for free lunch at school because my mom went back to work. Unfortunately, even with both of my parents working, as is the case for many Ohio families, money is still tight.
“Now, my family has had to deal with my mom’s serious health issues, which required 3 surgeries in less than a week.
“We are forever grateful that God watched over her and brought her through the surgeries. But, my story is only one example of the many stresses kids and families have to deal with. Being able to eat lunch at school should be the last thing we should worry about each day.
“If all students were able to get free meals at school, we would be better able to focus on our school work and perform to our best ability. Students – and their parents – would feel less stressed about this basic need.
“I am here today to ask you to fully fund school meals for all students throughout the state of Ohio. No student should have to go all day without eating, or being distracted about where and when their next meal will be.”
