In a pivotal move towards student equity, Governor Maura T. Healey, alongside Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, unveiled Massachusetts’ commitment to providing permanent universal free school meals for K-12 students. However, this announcement at Snug Harbor Elementary School wasn’t a solitary act. Key legislative leaders such as House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano, Chair Aaron Michlewitz, and representatives Tackey Chan and Bruce Ayers joined the ceremony. Additionally, Erin McAleer, CEO of Project Bread, emphasized the transformative potential of this initiative.
“We’re making school lunch and breakfast free for all students permanently in Massachusetts. By delivering universal free meals, this administration is making clear that nothing is more important than ensuring our kids are fed, healthy, and ready to learn and play and grow.”
Governor Maura Healey
Free School Meals in Massachusetts and Nutritional Equity
In addition to the significant budget allocation for this program, the initiative intends to alleviate the financial burden on families and eliminate potential stigma surrounding free meals. “Universal free school meals are an investment in childhood nutrition, ensuring each of our school-aged students has access to the healthy food they need to fuel their learning,” expressed Lieutenant Governor Driscoll.
Previously, on August 9, 2023, the Healey administration committed $172 million in the fiscal 2024 budget for this initiative. Consequently, coupled with federal reimbursements for eligible meals, every student in participating schools under the National School Lunch and Breakfast programs will enjoy a free lunch and breakfast daily.
Affirmations from the Education Sector
During the announcement, House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano shared his firsthand experiences as a teacher in Quincy. “During my 12 years as a teacher in the Quincy Public School System, I saw up-close just how important it is to ensure that a student’s ability to focus and ultimately succeed in the classroom is not affected by their family’s financial circumstances,” he remarked. Mariano also expressed gratitude towards fellow legislators and partners like Project Bread for making this initiative a reality.
Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland) chimed in, “Making school meals free for students in Massachusetts will keep our young people focused on learning and provide financial relief for families who will save hundreds of dollars per student every year.” Meanwhile, Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch recognized the broader implications of this policy, emphasizing that a well-fed student community leads to stronger families and schools.
Erin McAleer, steering the helm at Project Bread, hailed this as a monumental win for Massachusetts families. “Making school meals free for all is a historic victory for Massachusetts families and children. It will have a lasting impact on the health and wellbeing of an entire generation. We are so grateful to Governor Healey, the legislature and the thousands of advocates across the Commonwealth who took action for our kids. It is an incredible example of the change that we can make when we all come together around a common purpose,” McAleer stated.
The Path Forward
Originally a temporary measure during the pandemic, Massachusetts has now cemented its commitment to universal free meals. By continuing this groundbreaking program, the state positions itself as a leader in holistically addressing child nutrition and hunger.
Dr. Patrick Tutwiler, Secretary of Education, shed light on the importance of food security for effective learning. “Food security is essential for learning, which is why the Healey-Driscoll administration has delivered $172 million for universal school lunch in our first budget. It’s related to a hierarchy of need—students can’t be focus on their lessons in the classroom if they continue to be hungry.” he asserted.
Quincy Public Schools Superintendent Kevin Mulvey acknowledged the impact of the program, revealing a 25% surge in meals served since its inception. He expressed gratitude towards the state leaders for recognizing and acting upon this crucial need.
Finally, while the program assures one free breakfast and lunch per day for students, inclusive of wholesome foods, additional “a la carte” items will still be available for purchase.
Governor Maura T. Healey of Massachusetts has actively championed progressive reforms throughout her tenure. She has bolstered criminal justice reform with pivotal appointments to the POST Commission, asked the federal government to streamline work authorization processes for migrants, and enlisted the National Guard’s support in assisting communities overwhelmed by migrant influxes. Furthermore, recognizing the urgent need for child mental health services, Healey invested $4.1 million, emphasizing her dedication to the well-being of the state’s youth. Her initiatives consistently underline her commitment to responsive and inclusive governance.
Xylo News 