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There are many benefits to providing children with free lunches. However, some students are concerned about the adverse effects as well. Giving every child a free lunch would be expensive to implement. Taxpayers would see a substantial increase in their bills if free lunch was implemented in school districts. Students would also see reduced school equipment and supplies funding, as funding would be directed to free lunch. There would also be excess waste, as not all children require the aid and would discard their free meals. Not only would the food be wasted, but the packaging and materials included would also go to waste. Students are also concerned about the reduced quality of their food. Many students purchase school meals. However, if schools are required to provide every child with a meal, their quality will decrease. Offering free lunch to everyone, regardless of their income, would not target the most vulnerable and instead provide low-quality meals that do not meet people’s dietary restrictions. Instead of focusing on helping the students who need assistance, free lunch may decline the school’s resources and impact funding.
Offering free lunch to all students has numerous benefits and drawbacks. While it would provide low-income students with a meal and help them concentrate in class, it would also increase taxes, waste food, and lower the quality of meals. Many school districts have begun to implement free lunches, a decision that has many people conflicted. Read below to learn how the students at Saddle Brook School District feel about free lunch.
“I think it is a good thing for those who need it. I think there are many families that benefit from this as some may live paycheck to paycheck or may need to save extra funds to make ends meet. I think this is a good support system for those in that situation.” -Anonymous
“Should Schools Provide Free Lunch for All Students ?” Wisevoter, wisevoter.com/issue/free-school-lunches/. Accessed 1 Feb. 2024.