All schools participating in our nation’s school meals programs may serve free meals to all students for the upcoming school year, not just to those qualifying via family income. Known as universal school meals, this one-year expansion is a product and recognition of the economic and social upheaval caused by COVID-19. But the value of good nutrition to children, families and schools is long-term and profound. Universal school meals should be permanent.
Our nation has a history of addressing shortfalls during periods of crisis, only to let them reaccumulate once the dust has settled. If we take that path with universal school meals, we will be repeating that predictable cycle. Ending this support would say a lot none of it favorable—about how we prioritize the needs of children and families in America, and in particular, our commitment to undoing the damage caused by structural racism and discrimination against children and families of color. As a national health philanthropy, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) believes we must take this bold step for all children and families.
The above is an excerpt of a piece originally published in The Hill.
Media Resources & News
Visit our press room to find out who our key points of contact are, including supporting research, expertise, and multimedia assets needed for publication.