Fight for Our Children: No Child Should Go Hungry at School

I am writing to urge you to cosponsor and support the Universal School Meals Program Act (S. 4518/H.R. 8798). Our nation has the resources to ensure that no child goes hungry, yet millions of students still arrive at school worried about where their next meal will come from. This is unacceptable. A hungry child cannot be expected to focus in class, succeed academically, or reach their full potential. School should be a place of learning, growth, and opportunity—not a place where children are distracted by empty stomachs. No child should ever experience hunger, especially while attending school in one of the wealthiest countries in the world. The Universal School Meals Program Act would provide permanent Healthy School Meals for All, increase meal reimbursements, eliminate lunch shaming, reimburse schools for meal debt, strengthen local food procurement, and expand access to summer and childcare nutrition programs. These investments would improve student well-being, ease financial burdens on working families, and help schools focus on education instead of navigating complicated meal eligibility requirements. This is not a partisan issue. Feeding children is a moral responsibility. Every student deserves the chance to learn, thrive, and succeed without the burden of hunger standing in their way. When we invest in our children, we invest in the future strength, health, and prosperity of our nation. I am asking you to stand up for America’s children by cosponsoring the Universal School Meals Program Act and working to ensure that every child has access to nutritious meals at school. Our children deserve nothing less.