Tag: Universal free meals

As of late 2025, at least nine states have implemented permanent, statewide universal free school lunch programs, a significant shift from traditional income-based eligibility. These policies ensure every public school student receives meals at no cost, regardless of family income.

According to a 2024 report by the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), several states have made strides in providing universal free school meals, but determining the single best US state for school lunch is a complex question with multiple, sometimes conflicting, answers. Rankings differ based on methodology, focusing on factors from health metrics to local sourcing and equitable access.