
RAISE YOUR HAND: Healthy School Meals for All
- foodfightadmin
- July 30, 2024
- Contact Your Lawmakers, Farm Bill 2023, Federal, Hunger In America, Report
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During the pandemic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued waivers allowing schools to provide free meals to all students regardless of household income. These waivers, which expired in June 2022, were crucial in mitigating the alarming spikes in childhood hunger caused by COVID-19. The pandemic underscored the critical importance of providing healthy meals to all students, a lesson we cannot afford to forget.
The Problem
33+ Million People: struggled against hunger in 2021 (according to the USDA)
1 in 6 Households with Children: faced food insecurity in 2021 (according to the USDA)
63% of Voters: support making free school meals permanently available to all students (FRAC polling).
Building Momentum
Across the U.S., a growing coalition of parents, teachers, students, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and advocates is rallying behind Healthy School Meals for All. States like California, Maine, Colorado, Minnesota, New Mexico, Vermont, Michigan, and Massachusetts have already enacted policies to provide free school meals to all students. Nevada is also extending free school meals through the 2023-2024 school year using pandemic funds. Many other states are considering similar legislation, demonstrating a national trend towards embracing this critical support.
State Healthy School Meals for All Campaigns
Advocates across the country are pushing for their states to adopt Healthy School Meals for All policies. Several states have active campaigns, including:
Passed: California | Colorado | Maine | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | New Mexico | Vermont
Active Campaigns: Connecticut | Maryland | New Jersey | New York | North Carolina | Ohio | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | Washington D.C. | Wisconsin | Tennessee
National Partners
FRAC convenes the National Healthy School Meals for All Coalition, uniting diverse organizations dedicated to securing nationwide free Healthy School Meals for All. Key supported legislation includes:
Universal School Meals Programs Act (S.1568/H.R.3204)
School Meals Expansion Act (H.R.2567)
No Hungry Kids in School Act (H.R.3112)
Expanding Access to School Meals Act (H.R.3113)
School Hunger Elimination Act (S.4525)
Nutrition Red Tape Reduction Act (S.4523)
Implementation
Eight states currently offer Healthy School Meals for All, ensuring every student receives free breakfast and lunch, irrespective of household income. Advocates are working to optimize School Nutrition Programs to support student success. For more information on participation rates, service models, and other details, explore FRAC’s resources.
NEW REPORT: THE STATE OF HEALTHY SCHOOL MEALS FOR ALL
The Solution
Healthy School Meals for All ensures all children receive the nutrition necessary to grow and thrive, advancing racial equity by supporting Black, Indigenous, and Latinx students, and eliminating school meal debt and lunch shaming.
The Road Ahead
Tell Congress hungry children can’t wait. By continuing to build on successful programs, we can ensure that children’s health and learning are prioritized. Join the movement and be part of the solution.