Universal free school lunches could lead to fewer obesity cases, improved attendance, and fewer suspensions, according to a study in JAMA Network Open. The Texas A&M-led study reviewed six programs covering over 11,000 schools. Researchers found that universal free school meals were associated with increased meal participation and some positive effects on attendance, particularly for students from food-insecure homes.
I think it should be breakfast available before and dinner after along with lunch. You can’t always trust parents will use assistance for the purposes they are earmarked for. Heck make it part of school and have the homeroom teacher discuss the day both in terms of prepping in the morning and review of the day at the end.