Unlocking the Debate on Universal Free School Meals in the U.S.
As the U.S. presidential race heats up, the issue of offering universal free school meals has become a hot topic. With Vice President Kamala Harris selecting Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate, the conversation around this policy has taken center stage.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the federal government provided free school meals to K-12 students regardless of household income for two years. While this policy has since ended, eight states, including Minnesota, have passed laws to continue offering free meals.
Governor Walz, a former teacher, signed a bill in 2023 to provide breakfast and lunch to the state’s public school students at no charge, regardless of household income. This move has sparked conversations about the potential impact of universal free school meals on education and child nutrition.
Experts suggest that if Harris and Walz were to win the election, the influence of universal school meals could be profound. Children and food are central themes in some of Harris’ economic policy proposals, such as restoring and enhancing the value of the pandemic-era child tax credit.
The federal school lunch program has historically provided meals for lower-income students, but advocates for universal free lunch argue that all students should have access to free meals. This not only reduces administrative burdens for school districts but also eliminates the stigma associated with free and reduced-price meals, creating a level playing field for every child in the cafeteria.
How the Federal School Lunch Program Works
Under the National School Lunch Program, students from families with incomes at or below 130% of the federal poverty line qualify for a free meal. Those at 130% to 185% of the poverty line are eligible for reduced-price meals. On average, about 20 million students, roughly 71%, ate free or reduced-price lunches in 2023.
Former President Donald Trump’s legislation in March 2020 allowed for nationwide waivers that made meals free for all kids in participating school districts during the pandemic. While this initiative was not extended for the 2022-23 school year, several states have passed laws to create universal free school meal programs.
Some Groups Oppose Universal Free School Meals
Despite the benefits of universal free school meals, there is pushback from conservative circles. Groups like Project 2025, spearheaded by the Heritage Foundation, reject efforts around universal free school meals. The Trump administration had extended USDA waivers to offer universal free school meals but also aimed to restore the National School Lunch Program to its original goal of providing food to low-income K-12 students.
At Extreme Investor Network, we understand the importance of staying informed about policies that impact personal finances and investments. To learn more about the latest developments in personal finance and economic policies, subscribe to our newsletter today!