Sorry this is so long, unfortunately I have a lot to share and I believe that everyone is due an update - Awesome news, this petition effort received more than 1,000 signatures just yesterday, and they are coming from all over the country! I’ve stated from the very beginning of this petition effort that this alternative meal/meal denial issue was a nationwide problem. It is clear that this petition has grown beyond its original stated purpose, the amendment of Texas HB 3562, the intent however, has never changed, I would like to put an end to what has become known as lunch shaming. 

In my opinion, this petition and the social media pages associated with it, have morphed into a launch point for ending lunch shaming on the national level. Clearly, the action taken by New Mexico to end lunch shaming has put the issue in the national spotlight, that’s a good thing. Let’s agree to support one another and any and all efforts to end lunch shaming nationwide. I have encouraged supporters from the beginning to address this issue locally, at your child’s school, school district, city and state. Check local school websites and locate their child nutrition policy, if you agree with their plan for dealing with delinquent meal accounts then that’s great, if not then call them out on social media in order to get like-minded supporters and together, call for change. Contact your local school board, contact local media outlets, make noise and rally supporters. There IS strength in numbers. I came across a Twitter page which address lunch shaming that is NOT state specific, https://twitter.com/endlunchshaming Sadly, the page only has 10 followers, let’s rally behind a Twitter page so that the numbers reflect our strength and resolve regarding putting an end to shaming policies. If not this page then please choose and share another, we need a unified front and the pressure needs to stay on. FOR THOSE HERE IN TEXAS - 

 The Texas legislature failed to act on amending HB 3562 and that time has now passed, however one member of the 85th legislature DID propose HB 2159 which addresses many of the issues that were to be addressed through the amendment to HB 3562, I support HB 2159 100%. The 85th legislative session will end on May 29th, THAT’S ABOUT 20 WORKING DAYS! At some point prior to the 29th, the legislature will have to vote on HB 2159, the bill that will put an end to lunch shaming in Texas. If we don't make this change happen with the 85th legislature then our next opportunity won't be until the 86th legislature meets in 2019!!! You can email/message the chair of the Texas House Public Education Committee, Rep. Dan Huberty, right here - http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/member-page/email/?district=127&session=85 Let him know that you support HB 2159 and that you want to end the lunch shaming of children in Texas schools. It literally takes about 90 seconds, if you support this effort, please spare those few seconds and let the legislators know where you stand. I plan to write each committee member each day until they have voted on HB 2159, won’t you join me? The entire Texas House Public Education Committee can be seen here, I'm sure they would ALL love to hear from you if you have the time, it only takes a minute but the impact might be tremendous - http://www.house.state.tx.us/committees/committee/?committee=C400 Politicians respond to media attention, even social media, so please, PLEASE, continue sharing, re-sharing, tweeting and re-tweeting links to this page and or the petition itself; they say the squeaky wheel gets the grease, I say let's SQUEAK, IN UNISON!