I grew up in Brazil, a developing country, where I attended public schools. My hardworking parents never had to worry about affording school lunches. In Brazil, public schools provide free meals to all students, regardless of income. Moving to the United States, I was shocked to learn that free, universal school meals are not provided at the state or federal level. Having experienced two different education systems, one where school meals were guaranteed and another where many children go hungry, I can see how access to basic needs shapes a child’s future and doesn’t give all children an equal start in this world.
Hunger affects 1 in 10 children in Utah, according to The Utah Food Bank. This starkly contrasts Utah’s reputation as one of the top three states for economic and infrastructure rankings.
Food insecurity doesn’t affect all equally. On average, 10.5% of U.S. households are impacted by food insecurity. Research shows, however, that 21.7% of Black households and 17.2% of Hispanic households experience food insecurity. Rates of food insecurity are also disproportionately high — 27.7% — in homes with single mothers.
The consequences are devastating. Children facing food insecurity are more likely to struggle academically, as inadequate nutrition impairs learning, leading to lower grades and fewer opportunities for success. Prolonged food insecurity contributes to physical health issues such as asthma, weakened immune systems, stunted growth and chronic diseases, alongside mental health challenges like depression and anxiety.
This crisis is not hypothetical — Utah parents are already struggling. Last school year, unpaid school meal debt in Utah reached $2.8 million, more than $800,000 more than the year before. This reality disproportionately harms our most vulnerable: our children.
How can we ensure our children are well-nourished, focused on learning and thriving socially? How can we close the nutrition and health gaps that leave too many kids behind?
During a recent lecture on public health policy, Dr. Brian Castrucci from the De Beaumont Foundation said, “Policy is medicine” and “we can only address social determinants of health through policy work.”
While short-term solutions like food banks help, they are not enough. We need systemic change to address childhood food insecurity.
Rep. Tyler Clancy, from Provo, is championing an initiative to combat this issue. He proposes allocating $4 million in ongoing funds to eliminate the reduced-price meal category, ensuring that students in this bracket receive free meals.
The Utah Legislature has the opportunity — and responsibility — to address childhood food insecurity as a critical public health issue. These measures will safeguard our children’s health, well-being and future.
Every child deserves to focus on growing, learning and building social connections — not worrying about where their next meal will come from. It’s time to invest in their future by prioritizing food security. It’s the just and fair thing to do.
Let’s give every child in Utah a fair and equal start in this world.
(Adriele Fugal) Adriele Fugal is a research manager at the University of Utah’s Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, an adjunct instructor at Utah Valley University and the Nutrition Chair at the Utah Public Health Association.
Adriele Fugal is a research manager at the University of Utah’s Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, an adjunct instructor at Utah Valley University and the Nutrition Chair at the Utah Public Health Association. Her research focuses on occupational health, health disparities, income inequality, mental health and women’s health.
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