Friends,

This summer, we're providing universal, free summer meals to make sure no child goes hungry while school is out.

Here’s an idea: We should do this every summer. It's time to pass the Universal School Meals Program.

This bill would provide free school meals and a snack to all school kids—and eliminate ALL school meal debt. I’m going to ask you to sign on as a Citizen Co-Sponsor of this game-changing legislation. But first, let me explain why it’s so important. 

• Free universal school meals mean healthier kids. They reduce childhood hunger, decrease obesity and improve nutrition and wellness.

• They would boost learning outcomes in students by improving attendance and behavior, and enhancing child development.

• They would eliminate the very real, and very harmful, stigma associated with qualifying for free or reduced meals. A study in New York City public schools found that one in three students would choose to skip lunch altogether rather than face bullying and “lunch shaming.”

• They would cut red tape, promote healthier, local food options, and streamline a complex system.

And finally, free universal school meals would address longstanding inequalities and even the playing field for all Americans.

Prior to the pandemic, only children in households with incomes below 130% of the federal poverty level qualify for free school meals. That’s an annual household income of just $34,450 for a family of four. This qualification cutoff excludes huge swaths of the population who experience hunger and financial insecurity. 

While the USDA announced this spring that it will continue to offer free school meals to all students through June 2022, we need to make this extension permanent.

We know that our country is stronger when we invest in our kids. If you agree that it’s time to make universal school meals permanent, please add your name to become a Citizen Co-Sponsor of our bill:

Add your name!

The pandemic has given us an opportunity to rethink the systems and structures that set the rules of this country. I believe it’s our responsibility to consider how we can, as President Biden says, “Build Back Better.” That starts with giving our kids—and their families—the best possible foundation to learn, grow and thrive. 

Thank you for standing with me.

-Kirsten