Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), to determine eligibility and a formula for reimbursement. However, for students attending a school that is not a part of the CEP and living in a food desert, access to nutritious meals may be limited. Many families have reported being a few dollars short of qualifying for free or reduced priced lunches, but still in need. Similarly, some families may qualify for reduced lunch, but still may find it unaffordable. Students who are unable to afford school lunch are forced to bring their own lunch, incur school meal debt, or not eat at all.
Individuals who live in food deserts are shown to have higher rates of diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, which are all public health concerns associated with higher mortality rates. Access to school meals for all children ensures no child falls through the nutritional cracks and can mitigate the poor health outcomes associated with living in a food desert for students. Given the growing body of evidence that has shown that school meals are often the healthiest meals children consume, it is critical that all students continue to have access to them at no cost beyond the pandemic. Children living in food deserts are especially in need. Until affordable access to grocery stores, supermarkets, and community sustained agriculture are available everywhere, school meals remain the primary source of good nutrition for students residing in food deserts. All families should be able to rest easy knowing that their children are receiving the healthiest meals in America without experiencing a financial burden. The health and success of our future generations are dependent on school meals!
For children living in food deserts, not having access to free school meals could prove detrimental to their academic success and overall well-being.
To Learn more about USFA and read additional blog posts visit USFA online here.
Take a look inside the most recent USFA member meeting in Baltimore, MD.
Nadira Johnson, DrPH Student Morgan State University School of Community Health and Policy
https://youtu.be/Jwr0IQ5AwL0
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