11/02/2022

5 Reasons Eating Free School Meals is a No-Brainer

Project Bread

School Meals

Stay full. Eat at School.

Better Days Brought To You By Free School Meals.

Free School Meals are available for kids and teens across Massachusetts this school year. Are you tired of dealing with rushed mornings or worrying about packing lunches? We get it, so why not let school take care of breakfast and lunch! Here are 5 reasons free school meals are the one-stop solution to making parents’ lives easier and kids’ lives more joyful, delicious, and community-oriented.

Number One

Saves Money

Just double checking…you got the free part, right!? School Breakfast and Lunch are available at no cost to students in Massachusetts! This includes all schools participating in the National School Lunch Program.

So, what does that mean for you and your kid(s)? It means less money spent on groceries –on average free school meals can save you $1,000 per year/per child– and your kid(s) get to enjoy a healthy meal with their friends for free at school.

Number two

No-More Meal Prep

Forget about the routine of packing school meals and taking valuable time out of your already time-pressed days. Letting school take care of two key meals a day means less time you have to spend in grocery aisles trying to figure out what you can pack for school, and you free-up your mornings/evenings. All while still knowing your kids will be receiving the fuel and food they need to grow and thrive in and out of school.

Number three

Builds Community

Breakfast and lunch may be necessities, but it doesn't mean they can't be a little fun, too. When kids eat breakfast and lunch at school, not only are they getting the proper nutrition, it also provides them with a fun and designated environment to socialize and enjoy time with their friends.

Not to mention, when more students eat school meals it helps break down barriers and stigma for the children who rely on them.

Number four

Big Things Happen at Breakfast

Eating school breakfast is linked to better attendance rates, improved behaviors, decreased tardiness and better memory and comprehension.

Kids should make it a habit to grab free and filling breakfast when they get to school. When every student is free from the distractions of hunger, every student in the classroom benefits!

Contact your child’s school to find out if they are providing breakfast.

Number five

Menus that are made for you

School meals offer kids a balanced lunch packed with complex carbohydrates and protein so they have the energy and brain power for a full day of learning. AND it’s of course, kid-approved.

School menus often feature locally sourced food supporting farms, fisheries, and other producers in local communities. They’re a wonderful opportunity for kids to explore and try new foods —especially veggies!