Should school meals be free for all students?
stigma | aspect | relevant | restrict | primary
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Do the Math
Do the Math
The primary reason people give for restricting free school meals is cost. Currently, the federal government pays schools back only for meals given to students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Usually, this means the student’s family’s income is below a certain amount.
Federal Free and Reduced Breakfast and Lunch Program, 2023
Option 1:
Option 1:
There were approximately 50 million children in U.S. public schools in 2023. Approximately how much would the government have spent on meals per day if it provided breakfast and lunch to every child in public school?
A. $225 million
B. $361.5 million
C. $336.5 million
Option 2:
Option 2:
There were approximately 50 million children in U.S. public schools in 2023. Approximately how much would the government have spent if it provided breakfast and lunch to every child in public school for all 180 days of the school year? Compare this to how much the government actually spent in 2023: How much more would have been needed?
Discussion Question:
Discussion Question:
Many people oppose the idea of using tax money to feed a child whose parents have plenty of money. They believe that it is not the government’s responsibility to feed every child but the parents’ responsibility, especially when taxpayers pay the bill. But supporters point out that the government already provides all students with other resources for education, such as laptops, textbooks, and school buses. What do you think? Is food also a relevant resource for public education? Or is it more like the backpacks and clothing that parents provide on their own?
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