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the Hunger-Free
ohio Schools campaign
  • Home
  • Impact
  • Who We Are
  • Join the Campaign
  • Fact Sheets and Resources
  • In the News
  • Press Release

Why School Meals Make a Difference

When we make school breakfast and lunch free for all students, everyone benefits. Students get the fuel they need to be successful in school—but the benefits don’t end there!

Nutrition Facts:

TOO MANY HUNGRY KIDS 1 in 5 Ohio children is food-insecure — an unacceptably high rate of hunger

EVERY CORNER OF THE STATE Urban, suburban, and rural — food-insecure children live in every county in Ohio

FUZZY MATH Hungry children have lower math scores and are more likely to repeat a grade

We need to change this reality

Food insecurity – and the learning insecurity that comes with it – plagues too many kids from too many parts of the state. On top of that, for many families, paying for meals at school – whether from the school cafeteria or a brown bag from home – makes tight finances even tighter.

Ohio kids deserve better. From kids in school to busy parents, and from school staff who want to nurture students to local leaders who want healthy businesses and neighborhoods – our entire state thrives when school meals are free for all.

Why School Meals Make a Difference

Better Educational Outcomes

Better Educational Outcomes

Better Educational Outcomes

When students get consistent, nutritious meals, they have more energy, more focus, and more curiosity in the classroom. You can’t learn when you are hungry.

Less Food Stigma

Better Educational Outcomes

Better Educational Outcomes

No one – especially kids! – wants to walk around with a flashing “poor” sign. When all students have equal access to the same meal, students won’t have to choose between sitting lunch out or standing out for their meal choice.

A Level Playing Field

Better Educational Outcomes

A Level Playing Field

When food access varies across families, students don’t start from the same line. Free school meals give students the nourishment they need to give school their best shot.

June 2022

Mission Nutrition

Mission Nutrition

Pandemic Provisions End

Temporary federal aid to provide universal free school meals is set to end in June. 

Mission Nutrition

Mission Nutrition

Mission Nutrition

According to FRAC, “children participating in school meals are less likely to have nutrient inadequacies and are more likely to consume fruit, vegetables, and milk at breakfast and lunch.”


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