One of the current sticking point in state budget negotiations is universal school meals: the House included permanent universal school meals in their budget, but the Senate did not.

Over 1 in 5 households with children in Massachusetts are struggling to put food on the table. School meals take the pressure off family budgets and allow families to put food on the table day-to-day.

Ensuring that students receive proper nutrition would reduce health care costs, improve student attendance, improve socio-emotional health, and improve student performance. We have seen the success of the program already, and it's time to make it permanent.