The United States has made its pandemic-era free school lunch policy permanent, ensuring every public school student across the nation has access to free meals, regardless of household income. The policy, passed with bipartisan support, aims to combat food insecurity among children and reduce stigma around free meals.
Education experts say the move is expected to improve classroom focus, attendance, and health outcomes. Local districts are also encouraged to source food from regional farms, supporting sustainable agriculture.
This policy may inform discussions in South Asian education systems where midday meals are already central but inconsistently implemented.