Students are required to attend school all day, but, concerningly enough, one of the most basic human necessities isn’t easily accessible for all students. Not all public schools provide free lunches, leaving some children to navigate hunger that can result in a lack of mental acuity in the classroom. Should schools make meals accessible to every student, regardless of income?
Supplying free meals at school is a strategy that supports students and families, providing nutritional benefits, academic improvements, and decreased financial burdens. Many public schools that participate in free lunch programs have proven them to be successful: “More than 95,000 schools serve free lunches to 21 million students each day, and there are calls to expand that” (The New York Times). The many requests to expand these programs display their progression and lasting positive impact. Accompanying the success of free lunches in other schools, academic improvements, including higher test scores, better attendance, fewer disciplinary issues, and increased graduation rates, have also been found as a result of accessible school meals. According to Allie Pearce and Anona Neal, “… participation in school meals has a sizable impact on students’ educational attainment” (CAP). Offering meals at no cost also reduces financial burdens for families, displaying another benefit.
Although free lunches provide many upsides, there are still disadvantages as well. Who would pay what used to be the cost of school lunch? The answer is taxpayers. The possibility of increased taxes is a significant cause for complaint, especially from financially sound families who can afford to buy lunches for their children. Others point out that free school lunches may lead to an increase in food waste, since not every student finishes all their food.
Despite these setbacks, research seems to indicate that free lunches are ultimately better for many students and should be a matter for serious consideration. The impact of accessible meals goes beyond the cafeteria. Hunger affects not only learning, but also behavior, and no student should have to study on an empty stomach. Making meals accessible is not just about nutrition; it’s about equity.
