Every day, some of my friends face a tough choice because they can't afford the $3.25 required for a school lunch. Watching them go hungry is heart-wrenching, and I believe it's a reality no child should endure. In a country abundant with resources, it's unacceptable that so many students face hunger on a daily basis simply because their families can't afford school lunch.

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) currently provides free or reduced-price meals to some students, but not all who need it qualify. According to a 2020 report by the School Nutrition Association, only 48% of schools offer meals at no charge to eligible students, and this number drops significantly in many districts across the US. Many students fall into a gap where their families' incomes are too high to qualify for assistance, yet too low to comfortably afford daily meals.

Hunger negatively impacts students' ability to concentrate, learn, and perform academically. The American Psychological Association notes that food insecurity is linked to lower math scores and higher suspension rates. Free school lunches could dramatically change this.

Implementing universal free school meals ensures that each child has a fair chance at success in their education, unburdened by hunger. States like California and Maine have already successfully implemented similar programs. Federal action is needed to make this a reality nationwide, benefiting millions of students and their families.

We call on the United States Congress and the Department of Education to allocate necessary funding and take prompt legislative action to introduce universal free school lunches. Let us pave the way for a healthier, more equitable future for our children.

Sign this petition to support students who need access to free lunch as a basic right. And so kids across the nation will never have to go hungry again.