On September 29, 2021

Universal school meals pay dividends

Dear Editor,

I am reaching out to express my support for universal school meals in Vermont. I am a recent resident of Middlebury, a longtime former resident of Brandon, and the mother of two children in the public school system.

As a mother and a former student in the public school system, I am aware of how emotionally charged the half-hour that is spent in the school cafeteria during lunch can be. Worry over what to eat — a packed lunch, cafeteria fare, or nothing at all — shouldn’t be added to the list of concerns on a child’s plate during the already busy school day. Lunch expense and stigma around the “lunch line” being reserved for kids from “free and reduced lunch families” should not be added to worries over where to sit, what to say and what to wear.

I have personally observed the way that temporary free breakfast and lunch at my children’s school during Covid has leveled the playing field for kids in the cafeteria. Even kids with packed lunches try out the free lunch options, narrowing the divide in lunchroom behavior. At least during breakfast and lunch on the weekdays, these students’ brains all get a shot at the same injection of nutrition that can help them thrive in their schoolwork, and in the even more important work of social learning.

I support funding universal school meals as an education expense and hope you will help spread the word to support S.100.

Karin S. Mott
Middlebury

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

UVM Medical Center’s academic mission is critical to Vermonters’ health

April 2, 2025
By Mary Cushman Editor’s note: Mary Cushman, MD, MSc is a University Distinguished Professor and Vice Chair of Medicine, Co-Director Vermont Center for Cardiovascular and Brain Health, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine Director, Thrombosis and Hemostasis Program, University of Vermont Medical Center Recommendations from the Act 167 “Oliver Wyman report” suggest that UVM…

Trump tariffs on Canadian products could bite consumers in the behind

April 2, 2025
Dear Editor, As if the onslaught of U.S. tariffs on goods from the Great White North weren’t enough... … now this, per Bloomberg via The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Washington. The Trump tariffs on Canadian petroleum, cars, hydropower, medications, vehicles, and softwood lumber for construction include wood pulp for … paper products. Yes, that includes toilet paper.…

Advocating for the arts

April 2, 2025
Dear Editor, March was Youth Art Month, and we held our bi-annual show at the statehouse in Montpelier. I want to share my speech from that evening. My name is  Melissa Kristiansen, and I am honored to serve as president of the Vermont Art Education Association and co-chairperson of Youth Art Month alongside the incredible…

Upset about Trump cutting crucial services? Speak up!

April 2, 2025
By Angelo Lynn If you’re worried that Trump’s proposed cuts to the administration of Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security will negatively affect the benefits you or a member of your family may receive, you should speak out. If you’re worried that privatizing the U.S. Postal Service will reduce rural delivery to your mailbox, negatively impact…