Families with kids in Massachusetts are struggling now more than ever to keep food on the table. Inflation and food costs remain high. In addition, the continued expiration of COVID-related programs, like increased SNAP allotments, has had a critical impact on the finances and health of families across the Commonwealth, increasing their susceptibility to high living costs and affordability issues.
During this time of continued economic uncertainty, the School Meals for All program, passed by the legislature in the state budget, has been a lifeline for families during this school year. Janice Watt, the food service director for Foxboro schools, expressed the gruesome reality for many families in an article by The Sun Chronicle. Watt and other members of the Foxboro school community feared the damage that would ensue without School Meals for All.
“Parents who are not eligible for meal benefits are still struggling with rent, utilities and food,” Watt said. “They have to pick and choose what bill they are going to pay. It is a stressor for middle class parents, understandably, as they want and need to provide for their children.”
In October 2022, the program succeeded in increasing school lunch participation by 80,000 more than in October 2019 in schools not previously serving universal free meals. These students were able to access school meals regardless of their socioeconomic status. Normalizing School Meals for All de-stigmatises food insecurity since students are able to eat without worrying about cost or what others may assume about their household’s income.
