Democrats on the Congressional Joint Economic Committee (JEC) released a report last week that examines the benefits of investing in school meal programs.
The report found that an estimated 3.3 million households with children face food insecurity in the United States each year. It also revealed that investing in school meal programs supports children’s well-being, combats food insecurity, and boosts the economy.
“Our children can’t succeed if they are worried about where their next meal is coming from,” U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) said. “New Mexico set an example by passing universal school meals, and there is new momentum to make that a reality nationwide. When we invest in our kids and their education, we are investing in a better future for everyone.”
Further, the report said that providing subsidized meals helped lower the cost of providing meals among large- and medium-sized schools, allowing them to spend the money elsewhere. In addition, it found that subsidized meals helped decrease grocery purchases among families with children, resulting in a 10 percent decrease in purchases at large retail chains and groceries stores lowering their prices by 2.5 percent.
Currently, eight states provide universal school meals on their own, including New Mexico.
The federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program has shown strong evidence for reducing food insecurity and improving nutrition. It was recently permanently authorized by Congress. To date, 37 states, Washington D.C., five U.S. territories, two Tribal nations, and additional tribes within states are already participating or plan to participate in the Summer EBT program this summer.