Free school meal

Free School Meal

Free school meals are meals provided to students at no cost, typically funded by the government or charitable organizations. These meals are often provided to students from low-income families to ensure that they receive adequate nutrition during the school day.

History

The concept of free school meals dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In the United Kingdom, the Education (Provision of Meals) Act 1906 was one of the first pieces of legislation to address the issue. The act allowed local authorities to provide free meals to children who were unable to afford them.

Eligibility

Eligibility for free school meals varies by country and region. In many places, eligibility is determined by family income and the number of dependents. For example, in the United States, the National School Lunch Program provides free or reduced-price lunches to children from families with incomes at or below 130% of the federal poverty level.

Benefits

Free school meals provide several benefits, including:

• Improved nutrition and health outcomes for children.
• Enhanced academic performance and concentration in school.
• Reduced food insecurity among low-income families.
• Promotion of social equality by ensuring all children have access to nutritious meals.

Challenges

Despite the benefits, there are challenges associated with free school meal programs, such as:

• Stigma associated with receiving free meals, which can deter eligible students from participating.
• Funding constraints that can limit the quality and variety of meals provided.
• Administrative hurdles in determining eligibility and distributing meals.

Related Programs

• School Breakfast Program
• Summer Food Service Program
• Child and Adult Care Food Program

See Also

• School meal
• National School Lunch Act
• Food security
• Child nutrition