Bucks County student talks about why she supports healthy school lunches

Students across Pennsylvania are supporting Healthy School Lunches for all. Bucks County student, Katherine Isaev told us why she does.

“When I think about what students need to succeed, I think of engaging teachers, extracurricular opportunities, and positive learning environments. But there is one necessity that can’t be overlooked: food.

Food insecurity is not a small or isolated problem. In 2024, more than 6.5 million children may not have consistent access to meals. Students need energy to focus in class, participate in extracurriculars, and engage with their peers. From my own experience, I know that it is difficult to fully concentrate on a lesson when I am hungry. Students cannot be expected to perform at their highest potential when their basic needs are not being met.

For students who rely on free school meals, breakfast or lunch may be their most reliable sources of food each day. That makes it especially important that school meals are not only free, but also nutritious enough to support growing children.

My school district provides free school lunches to students who qualify based on their family’s income. This program is incredibly beneficial, and I am grateful that my district recognizes students should not go hungry because their families are struggling financially. However, I believe we can do more.

Income-based programs rely on a cutoff that does not always reflect a family’s actual financial situation. Families can face rising costs for housing, transportation, healthcare, utilities, and food even when their income is slightly above the eligibility threshold. Income is not always as simple or predictable. If a parent works on commission, income can fluctuate.

In my school district, even a family that earns slightly above the cutoff can face significant financial pressure. In my district, families of 4 can only make a maximum of $5,000 per month to qualify for school meals, not a dollar more. After the cost of everything else, sometimes it’s hard to have enough to eat. This is why I believe universal school meals are so important. Every student should have access to a reliable, nutritious breakfast and lunch regardless of their family’s income.

Universal meals would also help eliminate the stigma associated with income-based assistance. As a teenager, I know that I constantly worry (probably a bit too often) about how my peers perceive me. Other people my age may also feel in a similar way, especially when receiving a free lunch. One study found that 12% of students felt embarrassed about receiving a “special” free lunch. Some students may even skip lunch to avoid drawing attention to their circumstances.

When every student receives the same meals, no one must wonder who qualifies for assistance.

PA school districts have shown school breakfast can provide meaningful support to students and families. The next step can be expanding that support so that every student has access to nutritious school lunch, regardless of their family’s income.

No student should have to choose between feeling embarrassed about receiving a free meal and going hungry. School lunch for all would help ensure that every child has the energy and nutrients they need to learn, succeed, and grow.”