You’ve probably seen the dramatic headlines – or maybe even Aaron Ford’s post on social media – claiming kids in Nevada are “going hungry” because Governor Joe Lombardo vetoed a school lunch bill.
But here’s the truth: no child in Nevada is being denied food at school. Not one.
The latest outrage centers around more than $100,000 in unpaid school meal debt in Washoe County.
That’s a real number. But it’s not a crisis. And it’s not a reason to throw facts out the window.
The Facts
During COVID, the federal government made school meals free for all students. That temporary program ended.
So in 2023, some lawmakers wanted to use state money – about $43 million – to make the universal free meal program permanent.
Governor Lombardo said no. And for good reason.
Right now, about 80% of Nevada’s students already qualify for free meals under a federal program called the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).
In Washoe County, 68 out of 103 schools are already covered. For the other 35 schools, families can apply for free or reduced meals based on income.
If they qualify, they get them. If they don’t, schools work out payment plans.
And here’s the key part:
“We will never turn a student away. No child goes hungry at a Washoe County School District school,” said Mike Supple, assistant director of nutrition services.
So what’s all the fuss about? Politics.
Enter: Aaron Ford
Attorney General Aaron Ford, who’s already campaigning for governor in 2026, jumped into the conversation this week with a post on X.
In it, he claims Lombardo is refusing to support feeding hungry kids in Nevada.
Really? That’s not just misleading – it’s shameful.
Ford is using fear, children, and half-truths to score political points.
He knows the system is working for the vast majority of students. He knows no child is being turned away.
But instead of offering real solutions, he’s stirring up outrage to boost his campaign.
This isn’t leadership. It’s fearmongering.
Why Lombardo’s Veto Made Sense
Governor Lombardo explained his reasoning clearly.
He supports helping families in need. He just doesn’t support using one-time money for a program that would cost tens of millions of dollars every year.
He also raised concerns about food waste when schools are forced to hand out meals to students who don’t want them or don’t need them.
That’s not compassion – it’s bad policy.
Lombardo’s position is simple: keep helping those who need help. Don’t waste taxpayer money on programs that go far beyond that.
And Washoe County is doing just that.
They’re not taking money from classrooms to cover meal debt. They’re using nutrition program revenues like catering and a la carte sales.
And again, no child is going hungry.
It’s easy to make emotional claims. It’s harder to tell the truth.
Governor Lombardo is focused on facts, not fear. He’s protecting kids and protecting taxpayers.
Meanwhile, Aaron Ford is using kids as campaign props – and hoping voters won’t notice.
But voters in Nevada are smarter than that.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
