“Ensuring that every child receives free meals at school is a policy choice.”
MEDIA CONTACT:
Nathan Garcia
nathan.garcia@foodcorps.org
CHICAGO, August 22, 2024—In response to vice-presidential candidate Governor Tim Walz’s speech at the Democratic National Convention (DNC), FoodCorps applauds the increased focus on access to free school meals for all students. Governor Walz’s commitment to “make America a place where no child is left hungry” during his formal address at the DNC demonstrates the need for free school meals to be a priority issue for all candidates in this presidential election.
“The discussion on school meals at the DNC underscores how important this issue is for families across the country, and for building a stronger democracy. Ensuring that every child receives nourishing, free meals at school is a policy choice, and the right choice for kids. Voters are eager to hear which candidates will make it a priority in their administration,” said Dr. Robert S. Harvey, President and Co-CEO of FoodCorps. “We call on all candidates, across all party affiliations, to make providing access to free school meals for all students a central component of their platforms.”
The impact of free school meals extends beyond the lunchroom. Studies show that students with access to free school meals have better academic achievement, reduced food insecurity, and improved health outcomes. For communities, free school meals allow lower-income families to purchase more nutritious food, and have been shown to reduce inflation in the prices of groceries for both families with and without school-aged children.
FoodCorps remains committed to advocating for equitable access to nutritious meals for every student and is eager to see all candidates recognize the importance it holds for children and voters across the country.
About FoodCorps
FoodCorps partners with schools and communities to nourish kids’ health, education, and sense of belonging so that every child, in every school, experiences the joy and power of food. Our AmeriCorps members serve alongside educators and school nutrition leaders to provide kids with nourishing meals, food education, and culturally affirming experiences with food that celebrate and nurture the whole child. Building on this direct programming, FoodCorps advocates for policy change, grows networks, and develops leaders in service of every kid’s health and well-being. Our goal is that by 2030, every child will have access to food education and nourishing food in school. To learn more, visit foodcorps.org.
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