Democrat Rep. Kadyn Wittman's School Lunch Bill Signed Into Law

PIERRE - The South Dakota Democratic Party applauds the signing of HB 1082, a monumental piece of legislation sponsored by Representative Kadyn Wittman (D-District 15). The bill effectively eliminates the cost of school meals for approximately 10,000 South Dakota students who previously qualified for reduced-price meals.

For years, the “reduced-price” category has placed a financial strain on working families who sit just above the poverty line but still struggle to meet rising costs. HB 1082 removes this barrier, allowing school districts to provide these meals at no cost to the student while still receiving full reimbursement from the U.S. Department of Education. The passage of HB 1082 represents a significant step forward in the fight against food insecurity in South Dakota, reflecting a growing statewide consensus that no child should be hungry in a classroom.

“This is a huge win for South Dakota families,” said Representative Kadyn Wittman. “Hunger is a barrier to learning. By making sure more students can walk into a cafeteria without worrying about their meal account, we’re giving kids what they need to focus, learn, and succeed. This is a practical, commonsense step that will make a real difference for thousands of families across our state.”

“Democrats in Pierre are committed to common-sense solutions that put South Dakota families first. Representative Wittman’s leadership on HB 1082 proves that we can find fiscal and moral alignment to support our students. We are proud to see this Democratic-led initiative become law, ensuring that ‘reduced-price’ no longer means ‘out-of-reach’ for our kids,” said SDDP Chair Shane Merrill. 

“Thanks to the work of Democrats like Representative Kadyn Wittman, South Dakota affirms that no matter the cost, every child in South Dakota will be fed at school – because that’s what Democrats do. We are committed to fighting for families and creating meaningful change in our communities. The future of our schools and our state is brighter today because of Representative Wittman’s work to codify this bill into law, ensuring that every child has the nourishment they need to thrive," said SDDP Deputy Executive Director Joe Zweifel.

For questions, please contact Krista Burns, Communications Director for the SD Democratic Party at krista@sddp.org or 651-345-8731.

Paid for by the South Dakota Democratic Party | www.sddp.org