**Why Every Child Deserves a Free Lunch: Solving Hunger in Schools**
Imagine going to school every day feeling hungry. It's hard to concentrate in class, right? Well, this is the reality for many kids in Pennsylvania. This happens because some families make just a little too much money to qualify for free or reduced-price lunches at school. But here's the good news: there is a plan to fix this problem, and it could help every student get a free lunch at school!
**The Problem of Hunger in Schools**
When students are hungry, it's more than just a grumbling tummy. Hunger can make it really hard to focus in class. Studies have shown that students who don't have enough to eat can have trouble with their grades and their health. So, making sure every child gets a healthy meal at school is super important!
**Current Shortfalls**
Right now, not everyone who needs a free lunch can get one. There are programs to help, but the rules can be strict. This means thousands of kids miss out on these important meals just because their families earn a little more than the cut-off. These rules leave a lot of students without a reliable meal source every day.
**A Big Idea: Universal Free Lunch for All Students**
So, what's the solution? Advocates are suggesting we create a universal free lunch program. This means every student would get a free meal, no matter how much money their family makes. It's a big idea and would cost about $250 million. But it’s an investment in our children's health and future.
**Why Universal Free Meals are a Great Idea**
Let’s talk about the benefits! When everyone gets a free meal, we help students do better in school and stay healthier. Plus, families with lower incomes can spend less on groceries. They might even purchase healthier foods because they’re spending less on other items.
**The Bigger Picture: Community and Economy**
You might be wondering, "How does this help the community?" Well, when schools provide free lunches for all kids, big grocery chains might sell less, which could lead them to lower their prices. This means even families not getting these school meals could benefit from having cheaper groceries. This helps create a more fair and better-off community for everyone!
**Join Us in Making a Change**
It's time to make sure every child gets the food they need to learn and grow strong. Supporting a universal free lunch program is a step towards a world where no child has to worry about being hungry at school. We can work together to support our students, improve their health and education, and provide them with a bright future.
Feel passionate about this cause? You can read more about how this program can make a difference to kids across the state here: [The Children Left Behind by Free Lunch Programs and the Proposed $250M Solution](https://www.chestnuthilllocal.com/stories/the-children-left-behind-by-free-lunch-programs-and-the-proposed-250m-solution,35836).
Please consider donating to programs working towards ending hunger in schools. Your contribution can help make sure every child has a full belly and a full mind. Let's make it happen! 🍏🥪 #EndHunger #FreeLunchForAll #SupportOurStudents
Please Donate now so we can help our children and elderly. Any amount no matter how small once only or if you can, on a monthly basis. So many children will be so grateful for you!
Donate here!