Analysis Of The Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act

In the United States, out of the 49.7 million students that attend school every day, only less than half of these students are allowed to receive free proper lunches that prepare them for academic success (The Pros). Does this seem fair? Why do only some students get this advantage and what sets these kids apart? In the past US, administrations have recognized these problems and have attempted to fix them, with little success as shown today. In one of the first instances of this, President Truman and members of Congress, have pushed for an increase in funding for these school lunch programs to ensure the better health of all kids. This legislation known as the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act was signed into law in 1946 and helped

Students learn how to interact with other kids their age, be respectful, make new friends, and overall mature to become the best they can be, while also being prepared for life after school. In order for these students to not only learn the school subjects that are stepping stones for the rest of their academics, careers, and future jobs. Students need other time in school to work on these other important skills, lunch is this exact time. In order to maximize students conversing and making connections, all students should see each other as equals and companions. A problem with the school lunch system currently is that “Students who qualify for free school meals often receive different meals or are forced to stand in different lines, which can lead to stigma and abuse from their peers” (Besser and Bussell). This is exactly what can’t happen in schools, this social stigma will severely hurt these kids, and lead to these students missing out on the nutrition they need, just to sit with the “regular” students and not be defined on what economic class they come from. Providing a similar basis for all students will lead to a boost in participation in those free meals (Schwartz). These occurrences in lunch will also lead to students talking, and politely asking lunch ladies for lunch, making new friends in line, and

When essential meals may not be provided when students are at home. The decision to provide free school meals for all students can only make sure these children aren’t going hungry and are receiving what they need to function. Alleviating these parents of the stress of giving their kids lunches every day can help be important money that can go to keeping the lights on, or the gas used to drive their kids to doctor appointments, all jointly benefiting these kids. Even when parents are trying their hardest, kids are still growing and need food, therefore school lunches should be free and will help all students in the long run (DAVID COHEN CAMPAIGNS). There have even been instances in school where parents cannot feed their children well enough “Occasionally, children will even take food out of other children’s lunch boxes when they’re not looking. Actual stealing” (DAVID COHEN CAMPAIGNS). The benefits of providing free school meals will only help all of these children in a positive way, but these instances can also help other administrators in the building too. By providing school lunches with free meals, the administrators who were in charge of tracking down kids and pushing to repay these lunch fees, can now put their job to better use and help the well-being of all the kids (Lewin and Hewins). Although it might seem like providing free school lunches to