Many kids come to school hungry, and it’s hard to focus on learning when all you can think about is your next meal. Giving students a free lunch can help them stay focused and do better in school.
According to healthyschoolscampaign.org, “A vast body of research shows that improved nutrition in schools leads to increased focus and attention, improved test scores and better classroom behavior.”
Many students have classes before lunch and may come to school hungry, making it hard to focus. Free lunch ensures they get a nutritious meal to stay energized for the rest of the day. It also helps families who can’t always afford to provide meals, reducing stress and making sure no student goes hungry. Lunches usually cost around $3 per lunch, which adds up throughout the year.
Free lunches also cater to the needs of all families who might not be able to afford to send their kids to school with a homemade lunch or lunch money. This places stress not only on the student, but on the families as well, especially those with more than one child. By giving students free lunch, schools make sure no one is left out just because of money. It also helps parents worry less about how to feed their kids during the school day.
Many schools already offer free or reduced-price lunch to students who qualify under federal guidelines. This program is required by law and includes an application process, which helps to ensure those in need receive support. However, some families who struggle financially may not qualify under the strict rules, or they may feel uncomfortable applying. Free lunches everywhere remove these restrictions and help every student without requiring them to apply.
Another reason to give free lunch to everyone is that it stops kids from feeling embarrassed. In many schools, only some kids get free or reduced lunch, and this can make them feel different or ashamed of their financial situation. If every student gets a lunch for free, no one has to feel singled out. It can create a more equal environment where all students are treated the same, no matter their background. This helps kids feel more comfortable at school and leads to a better learning environment.
Offering a free lunch to all students provides a healthy meal for every student across the entire school. When students are given the choice to have a free nutritious meal, they are less likely to rely on junk food that they can easily pack up before school, such as chips and sugary granola bars. Eating healthy food during the day improves focus, engages students, and helps students grow properly. Schools can provide healthy lunches, such as sandwiches and fruit, ensuring that every student has at least one balanced meal a day, which can lead to improved performance, both academically and physically, throughout their day.
It’s important to recognize that this would not be easy to pay for. Many towns struggle to pass small tax increases, and providing free lunch to all students would cost millions of dollars across a district or state. Some ways that we could solve this issue could be through federal or state support, or changes to existing budgets.
Giving all students free lunch is a good idea because it helps kids focus, supports families, and makes school a better place for everyone. No one feels left out, and everyone gets a healthy meal to help them learn and grow.