Access to Nutrition
Cutting school food budgets is a form of violence. For millions of students across America, school meals are more than just food—they’re a lifeline to nutrition, stability, and opportunity. Reducing funding for these essential programs means denying children the basic sustenance they need to thrive, both in and out of the classroom. This disproportionally affects low-income communities, exacerbating cycles of hunger, poor health, and diminished potential. Access to nutritious food is a human right, not a privilege.
As the U.S. House of Representatives debates a proposal to cut $12 billion from school meal programs, I’m reminded of the personal importance of these programs in my own life. As a first-generation college student who relied on Pell Grants and received free and reduced-price lunch, I know how vital these meals are. Later, as a teacher, I sat with students who depended on free and reduced-price breakfast and lunch daily. The meals served through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) are not just about food; they are about giving students the foundation they need to thrive academically and socially. The possibility of slashing funding for these crucial programs is heartbreaking. We must demand that our leaders prioritize the health and well-being of our children. Take action now, contact your representatives, support school food justice initiatives, and stand up for a future where no child goes hungry.
In the U.S., school meal programs provide essential access to nutritious meals for over 30 million children, many of whom depend on these meals as their primary source of nutrition. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), the NSLP serves students in nearly 100,000 public and private nonprofit schools. These programs are especially critical for low-income students, who may not have reliable access to food at home. For many of these children, school meals are not just a convenience; they are a necessity.
The National School Lunch Program ensures that all children, regardless of their family income, have access to nutritious meals during the school day. In fiscal year 2023 alone, the program provided 4.6 billion lunches at a total cost of $17.2 billion. These lunches are available at no cost or a reduced price for students from households at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty line, and reduced-price lunches are available for those at 130 to 185 percent of the poverty line.
Critics of the program argue that millions of children from middle-and higher-income households receive free meals, placing a financial burden on taxpayers. However, they fail to acknowledge the disproportionate impact such cuts would have on the most vulnerable students—those in low-income households who rely on these meals for their well-being and future success.
From my own experience, I have witnessed firsthand the emotional and academic toll that hunger takes on students. In Title I schools, I sat with students who were often distracted or lethargic because they hadn’t eaten in hours. Providing these students with healthy meals doesn't just support their physical health; it enables them to focus in class, engage in activities, and perform better academically.
The importance of proper nutrition cannot be overstated. Without adequate meals, students are more likely to experience food insecurity, which can lead to lower academic performance, behavioral challenges, and long-term health issues. Reducing funding for school meal programs risks exacerbating these problems, particularly in high-need areas where families are already struggling to make ends meet.
Personally, receiving free and reduced lunches was a lifeline. It allowed me to focus on my studies and participate in school activities without the constant worry of where my next meal would come from. As a teacher, I saw firsthand how critical these meals are for students’ success. School meals are not just about feeding students, they are about giving them the physical and mental nourishment they need to succeed in school and in life.
Over time, the NSLP has made strides in ensuring that millions of students receive meals, but there is still much work to be done. We need to focus not just on filling stomachs but on providing meals that fuel students' growth and development. While standards for school lunches have improved, too many meals served in schools are still processed, high in sodium, and lack the fresh ingredients necessary for optimal nutrition.
One key issue is the lack of choice in many school meal programs. Currently, many schools offer limited, pre-packaged, or mass-produced items that may not be nutritious or appealing. Offering more options would give students the autonomy to choose meals that they’re excited about, making it more likely they’ll eat their lunch and try new, healthier foods. Additionally, providing diverse meal options such as salad bars, fruit stations, and culturally relevant foods, would help cater to the varying tastes and dietary needs of the student body.
Choice also means addressing the diverse dietary requirements of students. Whether it’s for allergies, religious preferences, or cultural reasons, offering a wider range of meal options would ensure that no student feels excluded from the program. Providing vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free meals creates a more inclusive environment for all students, allowing them to participate in school lunch without feeling left out or marginalized.
Beyond offering choice, the quality of school meals must improve. While there have been advances under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA), many schools still serve meals that are heavily processed and lacking in fresh, nutritious ingredients. Although the USDA’s nutritional standards are a step in the right direction, they do not go far enough to ensure that every meal is nutritionally balanced. The current meals often include pizza, sugary snacks, and low-quality meats, foods high in empty calories and low in nutrients, contributing to rising rates of childhood obesity and diet-related health problems.
To truly support students’ health and well-being, we need to rethink what constitutes a “school lunch.” Meals should be made from fresh, whole ingredients, with an emphasis on fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Farm-to-school programs should be expanded to give students access to locally grown produce, and partnerships with nutrition experts could help design meals that not only meet federal guidelines but also support optimal growth and development.
School lunches provide an important opportunity to teach kids about the importance of healthy eating habits. When students are exposed to a variety of nutritious foods, they are more likely to adopt those habits as they grow older. If we continue to serve low-quality, unappetizing meals, we are doing a disservice to our children’s future health and academic success. By offering nutrient-dense meals that are both enjoyable and fun to eat, we can help students internalize healthy habits that will benefit them for a lifetime.
Ultimately, protecting and improving school meal programs is not just about feeding children—it’s an investment in their future and in the future of our nation. When children are well-nourished, they are more likely to excel academically, engage with their peers, and build healthy habits that last a lifetime. Reducing funding for these programs would undermine these goals, creating more harm than good. We owe it to our children to ensure they are well-fed, well-nourished, and ready to thrive in school and beyond.
