In a world where school meals are often taken for granted, a poignant story from Harley Sterling, the school nutrition director for the Windham Northeast Supervisory Union, stands out as a stark reminder of the impact of free meals on students. Sterling recalls a moment when a student, who no longer qualified for free meals due to a change in their family’s income, left a full plate of food untouched after realizing they were no longer eligible. This eye-opening experience underscores the importance of providing universal free meals to all students, regardless of their financial situation.
The Shift Towards Universal School Meals
For Scott Fay, director of food services in the Essex Westford School District, the universal school meals program has brought about a significant cultural shift, with more students now participating in breakfast and lunch programs. Fay notes that the cafeteria, once a quiet space, is now bustling with students enjoying nutritious meals. This shift towards universal school meals began during the Covid-19 pandemic and has since gained momentum, with the Vermont Legislature voting to continue the initiative indefinitely in 2023.
Governor Phil Scott’s Budget Proposal
However, amidst this wave of support for universal school meals, Governor Phil Scott has proposed cuts to the program as part of his “education transformation” plan. In his budget proposal, Scott aims to prevent property tax increases by cutting spending, including funding for the breakfast and lunch initiative. The Governor argues that the program is regressive and places an undue burden on lower-income families to subsidize meals for more affluent households. While Scott’s proposal aims to reduce education property taxes, critics argue that universal school meals offer significant benefits to students and families.
Support for the Program
Despite Governor Scott’s proposal, support for the universal school meals program remains strong and continues to grow. Anti-hunger advocates, school officials, and lawmakers have united in their commitment to maintaining the free meals initiative. House and Senate Democratic leadership have voiced their support for the program, with some Republicans also backing the cause. Advocates emphasize that the program costs approximately $30 per Vermonter annually but saves families an estimated $1100 per student on food costs. The widespread support for the initiative highlights its impact on students and families across the state.
Benefits of Universal School Meals
While Governor Scott argues for a return to a needs-based meal system, Vermont’s top school nutrition official, Rosie Krueger, contends that universal school meals are cost-effective and offer numerous benefits. Krueger highlights that cutting the program would result in a loss of nearly $17 million in federal funds and hinder the state’s ability to provide nutritious meals to students. Moreover, the program has allowed schools to purchase more food from local farms, supporting the community and promoting healthy eating habits among students.
For Sterling and Fay, the universal school meals program represents more than just a budget line item—it’s a lifeline for students and a means of providing equitable access to nutritious meals. Sterling notes that the program has enabled him to go above and beyond in the kitchen, knowing that all students will benefit from his efforts. Fay echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the positive impact of the program on kids and the community at large.
Looking Ahead
As the debate over the future of universal school meals in Vermont continues, the voices of those who have benefited from the program ring loud and clear. From students who rely on free meals for sustenance to families who save money on food costs, the universal school meals initiative has touched the lives of many Vermonters. As lawmakers weigh the pros and cons of the program, one thing remains certain—universal school meals have become a vital component of Vermont’s education system, providing nourishment, support, and a sense of community for students and families statewide.
