I have personally experienced the negative impacts of poor nutrition from school meals. The abundance of fried and processed foods served in our schools has affected my ability to pay attention in class, influenced my social life, and damaged my overall health. Now, I urge our school system and policymakers to prioritize the well-being of thousands of other students who may be experiencing the same.

Our children deserve better, they deserve nutritious meals. These meals should not be a privilege, they should be a right; one that is not dependent on economical status. Therefore, we are urging for a reform that makes school meals free for all. This is not an unprecedented idea; countries like Finland and Sweden have already adopted such policies successfully.

Moreover, according to the Food Research & Action Center, children who are provided with nutritious meals show an increase in focus, academic achievement and psychological health, while also exhibiting a decrease in behavioral issues (source: Food Research & Action Center, 2020 report). This clearly should be an essential part of our school system.

We are calling on our local, state, and national leaders to act: Implement a nationwide reform that guarantees free, nutritious school lunches for all students. This is more than a policy, it's a commitment to the health and future of our students. Your signature can help fuel this necessary change. Please sign and share this petition.