Universal Free School Meals ensures every keiki thrives
Although it is rarely included on the standard school supply list–between the glue sticks, highlighters, and scientific calculators–school meals are one of a child’s most important school supplies. Participation in school meal programs decreases food insecurity, improves academic performance, fills the nutrition gap between children from lower and higher income households, and provides the most nutritious meal(s) in some students’ entire day. Yet Hawaiʻi is one of the few states where access to this essential school supply can still be denied when parents are unable to pay.
Universal Free School Meals (UFSM) programs offer up to two free, nutritious meals (i.e. breakfast, lunch, or both) to all students in a qualifying school, regardless of their ability to pay. They are designed to improve access to and increase participation in school meals programs, especially for students with lower incomes.
By eliminating the traditional income-based eligibility system, UFSM acknowledges that many students are still falling through the cracks due to inadequate eligibility thresholds and other barriers to participation in federal nutrition programs. In fact, one national study found that 34 percent of students who were denied free or reduced-price meals were actually eligible to receive them.
Here are five reasons why Hawaiʻi needs a UFSM program:
1. Equity and Resilience: Bridging the Socioeconomic Divide
In Hawaiʻi, where the cost of living is alarmingly high, 2 out of 3 households struggling financially don't qualify for free school meals. UFSM levels the playing field, ensuring that every child, regardless of their economic circumstances, has access to the nutrition necessary for growth and learning. This not only addresses immediate hunger but lays the foundation for a future where equal opportunities are a reality for all.
2. Removing Stigmas, Fostering Inclusivity
By making school meals universally free, UFSM eradicates the stigma associated with meal debt or reduced-price meals. This shift creates a supportive and inclusive school environment, emphasizing that every child, regardless of their family's financial situation, deserves the same nourishment and opportunities.
3. Increasing Food Security: A Proven Strategy
A recent study found a nearly 5% decline in food-insecure households in schools after implementing UFSM. This is not just a statistic; it represents thousands of children in Hawaiʻi who would experience improved overall well-being and academic performance. UFSM is a powerful tool to fight childhood food insecurity, ensuring that no child faces the day on an empty stomach.
4. Academic Excellence: Fueling Success through Nutrition
Studies across the country reveal that students who benefit from UFSM programs show remarkable improvements in academic performance. In New York City, test scores soared the equivalent of an additional six weeks of schooling after UFSM implementation, providing powerful evidence that well-fed students are better equipped to learn and succeed.
5. A Financial Investment with High Returns
Implementing UFSM demands a significant shared financial investment, but the benefits far outweigh the costs. Federal funding resources are available, and can be optimized to ensure lower costs for states. Several states have even passed voter-approved tax measures targeting the wealthy to fund their programs, showcasing the broad support for such initiatives.
Addressing childhood food insecurity in Hawai‘i is not just a matter of providing nourishment; it is fundamentally an economic justice issue. School meals are the healthiest and sometimes only meals of the day for some students. Hungry students cannot learn. Funding and implementing a universal free school meal program is crucial to building a more equitable and resilient Hawai‘i.
