With the arrival of August comes the reminder that school is just around the corner. As parents gear up for early mornings and new shoes, one thing they can opt to cross off their back-to-school shopping list is a packed lunch. In this years’ state budget, we finally accomplished what I’ve been pushing for–truly universal school meals. Starting in September, every child–no matter where on the income scale their family falls–is eligible to receive free breakfast and lunch every day at school.
Providing school meals is an investment in our children and our communities. Having one less thing to think about at the start of every school day can be a game-changer for parents working to get kids out the door, and the money saved–up to $500 a year per child–can make a difference for families.
Research clearly demonstrates that free meals provided in school have positive impacts on academic performance and behavior for all kids, and as I believe there should be nothing less controversial than feeding children, I am thrilled to see this program move forward.
