Humans need food. This common-sense statement is often combated when it directly applies to students who cannot afford breakfast or lunch without assistance.
Outside of the obvious argument that students, and all humans for that matter, need food to function, students specifically need food to thrive in the ever-challenging school environment.
Studies show that “students who participate in school breakfast programs have improved attendance, behavior, academic performance, and academic achievement as well as decreased tardiness” (Food Research and Action Center [FRAC], 2021). While this is as straightforward as arguments get, the current programs in our state seem to draw harsh guidelines as to who does or does not apply for meal assistance programs.
For example, according to benefits.gov, if a family of six makes over $77,626 then they would not apply for free or reduced meals at school. Being a child from a family of six attending public schools in the Salt Lake City area, I know how much of a strain paying for the breakfast and lunch of four children caused my parents each day, even though they were over this monetary threshold.
In a society where we continuously put pressure on young generations to “lead us to the future,” it is unrealistic to expect that of students who are not able to give their learning their full attention because they are hungry. I believe that change needs to happen, ensuring that no student goes hungry and is left without the option of a free meal. I know many people, myself included, who would love to see our tax dollars go towards fueling the younger generation and providing relief to families who do not fall within the assistance range but are scraping their last dollars together to ensure their children eat.
Kayden Al-Mosawi, Salt Lake City