My friend relies on school lunches as her main meal of the day, as unfortunately, she doesn't receive proper food at her home. But every day, she finds herself still hungry after consuming the limited portions provided by her school, PUSD Elementary.

Currently, PUSD Elementary School lunches fail to adequately serve the students, particularly the unique needs of 5th graders and vegetarian students. The availability of food is unfair, leaving many, like my friend, hungry and underserved. A box filled with snacks labeled as a "lunch box" is not an adequate meal, especially for growing children. Moreover, restricting to only one slice of pizza during lunch when seconds are needed doesn't help. Proper nutrition is not just about having food but having enough food.

The impact on students who rely on school meals cannot be understated. For some, these meals may be the only wholesome meal they receive during the day. Failing to meet the caloric and nutritional needs of children not only affects their physical health but also their academic performance and emotional well-being. Studies show that children who eat well-balanced school meals are more focused and perform better academically (source: CDC).

We request that the PUSD School Boards implement policies that:

1. Ensure fair distribution of food to all grade levels, especially 5th graders who require more food than younger students.
2. Offer nutritionally balanced meals that include sufficient vegetarian options, beyond snacks in a box.
3. Allow students to have second servings if they are still hungry to ensure they receive adequate nutrition for proper growth and learning.

By addressing these issues, you have the power to make a significant positive impact in the lives of PUSD students. Let us together call for a healthier, fairer, and more inclusive lunch program at PUSD Elementary Schools, ensuring that every child receives the food they need for a better, healthier future.

Please sign this petition to help us advocate for necessary changes in the PUSD school lunch policies. 70+ people already support this cause!