Call this a trend I can get behind. California has become the first state to implement a "Universal Meals" program, providing free lunch to all school children.
1 out of 5 California families aren't sure where their next meal is coming from, and with rising grocery costs, inflation, and increasing food insecurity, this is a way to insure that kids in the state get at least one full, healthy meal every day.
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Here's the thing. This will cost taxpayers in California more money, almost undoubtedly. And I get where some people would balk at that. Usually I would too. At the same time, kids should have the right to eat in school, and school lunches can be expensive!
At my kid's school it's $3.75 per day. That's almost 20 bucks a week, which for a struggling family might not be doable. Not to mention that a kid who might not be as well off may end up bringing unhealthy lunch options that don't offer any nutritional value. So why should a kid fall victim to their family's circumstance? That school lunch may be the only healthy, full meal they get all day. It should absolutely be free.
You may disagree, but I'm applauding California for this.