During the COVID pandemic, the federal government made available funding for free school meals either consumed in cafeterias or provided as grab-and-go packages. The program was terminated during the spring, becoming a political issue. The opinion of some politicians opposed to school feeding is exemplified by an opinion expressed by Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) who stated, “Families don’t want schools to be permanently stuck in a pandemic posture.”  This is an unfortunate attitude reflecting denial of COVID and is contrary to the needs of children under prevailing economic hardship. 

According to Bridget Huber in the December 9th edition of Food and Environmental Reporting Network, California, Colorado and Maine are continuing to fund universal school meals at no cost to students.  In the absence of federal support, most schools have reverted to a pre-COVID approach to serving meals charging a fee or at a reduced cost and when eligible at no cost.

School feeding programs commenced during the Depression years, both to alleviate hunger and to create employment under the New Deal. During the 1960’s, the federal government funded school lunches on the basis of parental and family need and providing needed nutrition became a social welfare issue. Unfortunately school meals developed a stigma and many children opted out of cafeteria meals. This inclination to reject school meals in favor of less nutritional alternative including brown bagging and vending machines was reversed during the COVID period. The situation may be reversed unless additional funding is provided as advocated by the Administration.

Studies have shown improvements in academic performance in schools serving meals to all students.  A federal program with universal adoption would benefit agriculture and the egg industry specifically.  Given the amino acid composition of eggs, their low caloric content and contribution to satiety, eggs should be part of a permanent and universally accepted program of school feeding.