A Case For Universal Free School Meals: 3 Critical Points
1. CURRENT SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS EXCLUDE LOW INCOME FAMILIES
All children need to eat and in the United States not all children are able to. With the line to receive reduced lunch at 30% above the poverty line Many families are just above the cutoff line for free or reduced school lunch and cannot afford to pay for their child’s lunch.
2. UNIVERSAL FREE SCHOOL MEALS CREATES AN EVEN PLAYING FIELD
Schools currently offer free breakfast for low income students, but these programs often require students to arrive to school early. Many students who are eligible for these programs choose not to participate for fear of being labeled as “poor,” or are unable to arrive to school early.
3. A NOURISHED CHILD IS A LEARNING CHILD
A school day is typically 6-7 hours long and research has shown that children who are eating at least two balanced meals before and during the school day not only can pay attention better in class, but also test better.
ABOUT USMRC
Universal School Meals Resource Center (USMRC) is a leading nonprofit organization focused on providing information about universal free school meals and providing food to children in low income families. USMRC takes donations of healthy and nonperishable foods and packs lunches for children in need. The USMRC is not only devoted to helping low income families keep their children fed, but is working towards promoting and passing universal free school meals all across America. The USMRC works with school districts to teach them how to affordably make the switch to universal free school meals.
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DISCLAIMER: for student purposes only.