A new law makes Maine one of the first states in the country to provide school meals to all children at no cost, regardless of their family’s income.

Our news partners at CBS13 report that child hunger advocates say there is $10 million in the state’s updated budget to expand funding for school meals, which will also be paid for with federal funds, meaning it won’t fall to districts.

The bill’s supporters say this is critical in making sure meals weren’t being taken away from children who’ve come to rely on them amid the pandemic.

“This is likely the most impactful piece of child hunger policy in Maine’s history, with potential to reach all 160,000 kids that are currently enrolled in public schools across the state,” Anna Korsen of Full Plates, Full Potential said.

Last year, the federal government instituted a waiver allowing all students to eat school meals for free. That’s been extended through the next school year, meaning Maine’s policy will take effect in the 2022-2023 school year.