The Power of a Meal: Universal Free Lunch
- Chloe Mosquera
- Jul 16
- 3 min read
As a student, I won’t lie - I’m always hungry. Most mornings, I skip breakfast either because I’m running out the door or just not hungry that early. But eventually, hunger kicks in. When my stomach starts rumbling, it’s hard to focus. My mind drifts to food and which of my friends might have snacks to spare.
This personal experience is just a small glimpse of a much larger issue. Hunger and poverty are rising across the U.S., and for many children, regular access to food isn’t guaranteed. One promising idea that’s been gaining traction is universal free lunch.
At first glance, the idea of providing every student with free lunch might seem simple. But the reality is more complex. Questions around cost, implementation, and long-term sustainability make this a nuanced issue, one that requires thoughtful policy, not just good intentions.
Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, New York State will implement a Universal School Lunch Program. This means that every public school student in the state will be eligible for a free school lunch, regardless of income. The program will be entirely funded by the state, with a budget increase of 89% - bringing the total to $340 million.
Despite its positive goals, the rollout of this legislation does come with challenges. Critics point to inefficiencies in existing programs, such as food waste and poor financial management. Schools already operate with tight budgets that must cover tools, supplies, and staff. Adding more students to the lunch program increases pressure to deliver meals that are both nutritious and affordable, opening the door for mistakes and shortcuts.
Food waste is one of the most pressing concerns tied to large-scale meal programs. In many schools, trays of untouched food end up in the trash daily. Sometimes students don’t like the options, or they’re simply not hungry during their lunch period. Without proper education about nutrition or more flexible meal choices, waste continues to pile up, both in cost and environmental impact. If universal lunch is to succeed long term, schools will need to explore creative solutions like composting, donation systems, or adjusting portion sizes to cut back on unnecessary waste.
I believe universal free lunch is a great idea, but for it to reach its full potential, we have to focus on the details, especially how to handle issues like food waste. In my own school, I see apples thrown out every single day because students are required to take them. If we don’t address those small but significant problems, the impact of this program will fall short. We need to approach implementation thoughtfully, with real solutions that make the program work better for students and schools alike.
Still, at its core, this program has the potential to be transformative. Free school meals support students in every way: academically, behaviorally, and mentally. I believe deeply in the idea that knowledge is power. If we want to empower the next generation, we have to invest in their ability to learn and that starts with making sure they’re fed.
Research shows that free lunch programs boost academic performance, especially in underserved communities. Students are more likely to attend school regularly, face fewer suspensions, and score higher on tests, particularly in ELA and math. Beyond academics, these programs also lead to better overall health and greater food security for families across New York State. And just as importantly, they reduce the stigma around receiving free or reduced meals, helping to build a more inclusive and supportive school environment.
As we consider this issue, it's important to craft a policy that benefits every community, and despite the challenges, we must never forget the power of a meal.
If this topic matters to you too, leave a comment and like this post to keep the conversation going. Let’s talk about how we can make change together!
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