Supporting Universal Access to Nutritious School Meals in Maryland

I am writing to express my strong support for House Bill 628, which proposes to ensure universal access to free school meals in Maryland. As a parent and former educator, I believe this bill is a crucial step toward improving the health, education, and overall well-being of our children. This bill, with its comprehensive approach to providing free breakfast and lunch to all students in participating schools, aligns with the established benefits of universal school meal programs. Such programs have been shown to significantly improve students' academic performance, attendance, and health outcomes. The Harvard Public Health article, "Republicans threaten school meals despite proven impact abroad," underscores the global success of similar initiatives, highlighting their role in enhancing food security, nutrition, literacy, and primary education. Moreover, the economic impact of school meals cannot be overlooked. The Rockefeller Foundation estimates that for every dollar spent on school meals, more than two dollars are returned in health and economic benefits. This indicates a substantial return on investment, benefiting not only our children but also our economy. In light of the overwhelming evidence supporting the effectiveness of school meal programs, both domestically and internationally, it is imperative that Maryland takes a leadership role in this initiative. House Bill 628 offers an opportunity to prioritize the health and future of our children over political rhetoric and cultural debates. I urge you to support House Bill 628 and champion the cause of universal free school meals in Maryland. Our children deserve no less. Thank you for your time and consideration.