The Need for Universal Free School Meals

By: Michele Wu

NEW YORK, NY — In a nation often celebrated for its agricultural abundance, millions of Americans—especially children—continue to face the harsh reality of food insecurity. Nearly 47 million Americans, including 1 in 5 children, struggle to get enough to eat  (Hales & Coleman-Jensen, 2022). The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this crisis, and with the expiration of critical programs like universal free school meals, the hunger gap is widening.

Food insecurity, which is the condition of not having access to sufficient food, stems from a range of systemic issues. Food insecurity currently affects 1 in 7 Americans, with single-mother households and children being particularly vulnerable. The economic fallout from the pandemic led to a sharp increase in food insecurity, especially among households with children.

During the pandemic, universal free school meals were implemented, offering relief to struggling families. However, when these programs expired in 2022, many children lost access to nutritious meals. Currently, only 8 states (California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, Vermont) have legislation supporting free school meals. There are also some 20-odd states looking to implement some kind of legislation that supports universal school meals. 15 states have no legislation for free school meals and those 15 states are not planning on adding any.

There are numerous benefits to universal school lunch programs. Access to healthy school meals leads to improved academic performance, better physical health, and reduced obesity. Studies have demonstrated that universal school meals increase participation, reduce stigma, and contribute to better overall student well-being 

While free school meals are a lifeline to many students, providing a source of reliable nutrition to millions of children, there is controversy about the funding of these programs. Some lawmakers are concerned about the financial burden, with some fearing that providing free meals to all students could result in wasted taxpayer dollars for families who can afford to pay.

However, advocates argue that the long-term benefits of healthier students—such as improved academic performance, lower obesity rates, and reduced mental health issues—far outweigh the costs. Additionally, the current school meal debt crisis, which has reached an average of $537 per child annually (Hanson, 2024), disproportionately impacts low-income families who are already struggling to make ends meet.

Nationwide universal free school meals is much more than a compassionate policy, it is a way to address systemic inequalities. Supporting free school meals means helping children reach their full potential. When children have access to proper nutrients, the benefits extend years beyond the meals.  

Sources:

Hales, L., & Coleman-Jensen, A. (2022, February 7). Food insecurity for households with children rose in 2020, disrupting decade-long decline. USDA ERS – Child Food Insecurity. https://www.ers.usda.gov/amber-waves/2022/february/food-insecurity-for-households-with-children-rose-in-2020-disrupting-decade-long-decline/

Hanson, Melanie. (2024, November 23). “School Lunch Debt Statistics” EducationData.org, https://educationdata.org/school-lunch-debtKenny, E. (n.d.). Impact of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act on Obesity Trends. Health Affairs Journal. https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/full/10.1377/hlthaff.2020.00133