Advocacy

Once and for all.

We won't stop until we find a permanent solution for all students across Utah, ensuring no child goes hungry at school or faces lunch debt.

Permanent Solutions

Eight states in the US have eliminated school lunch debt by enacting free school lunch programs. Could Utah be next?

  • Colorado's Free Lunch Program

    In 2022, bipartisan Colorado voters approved Proposition FF, also known as “Healthy School Meals for All Public School Children,” which funded a free school lunch program by reducing tax rebates and deductions for residents earning $300,000+ annually.

    Read Article

  • California's Universal Meals

    California built on the federal National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) with its Universal Meals Program (UMP). The state legislature allocates funds to provide state meal reimbursement to cover the cost of the UMP.

    Read Article

  • Free Lunch In New Mexico

    In 2023, New Mexico became the fifth state to enact a permanent policy solution to eliminate school lunch debt. This universal school meals law was unanimously passed in both houses of New Mexico’s state government.

    Read Article

Elements of Successful, Permanent Solutions To School Lunch Debt

In Other US States

Free School Lunch For All

Eight US states have implemented free school meal programs to stop the accumulation of debt.

State and Federal Programs Work Together

Students apply first for federal assistance programs. Only if they cannot qualify can they apply for, and receive, state-funded meals.

Taxpayer Dollars Go To Causes That Count

State governments have made room in their budgets to fund ongoing free lunch programs.

Make Your Voice Heard

At UTLDR, we’re working towards a Utah where every child can receive a nutritious meal at school, regardless of their family's financial situation. If this is something you believe in, take action to create change.

Elected Officials Directory: Enter your ZIP code here to find your elected officials. Access contact information to send them a message, share your concerns as a Utahn, and influence policy decisions.

Use the form below to compose a message for your elected state officials.

Sample Message

Subject: Free School Lunch For Utah Kids

As a concerned constituent, I am writing to urge you to support the implementation of a free school lunch program in Utah. This vital policy will ensure that all students receive nutritious meals without the burden of lunch debts, which currently affect many of our children and schools. Currently, students with lunch debts receive lower-quality meals, leading to stigma and potential disadvantages in the classroom. Many children who can’t afford lunch do not qualify for assistance, exacerbating the issue. Schools often cover lunch debt costs with funds intended for salaries and enrichment programs, impacting the overall educational quality for all students.

Other states have successfully addressed this issue with policy changes that provide free school lunch programs, eliminating lunch debts entirely. For instance, Colorado recently implemented such a program after voters approved Proposition FF, also known as “Healthy School Meals for All Public School Children,” in November 2022. This measure, supported by a bipartisan vote, has increased participation in free breakfast by 35% and lunch by 31%, demonstrating a significant need and positive reception among families.

Colorado’s program was funded by reducing tax rebates and deductions for residents earning more than $300,000 annually. This modest increase in state tax burdens has ensured that no child goes hungry.

In Utah, families are currently plagued by $2.8 million in school meal debt. By implementing a free school lunch program, we can eliminate this debt, provide healthy meals to all students, and relieve schools of the financial strain of covering these costs. We have an obligation to feed our hungry children and ensure they have the nourishment they need to succeed academically.

I urge you to consider the success of states like Colorado and support similar measures in Utah. Together, we can ensure that no child in our state goes hungry and that our schools can focus on providing the best education possible.

Thank you for your time and attention to this crucial matter.

Sincerely,
Your Constituent

What our community is saying:

  • “These kids should all be eating for free and our hard earned taxes we give should be supporting things like this. Feed these hungry children!”

    Ptacek A., UTLDR Supporter

  • “If school is a legal requirement by our states and federal government then they have a duty to feed the children they legally require to be there. We already pay so much in taxes - let feeding the children be something it covers."

    Amber R., UTLDR Supporter

  • “As a parent who has struggled financially and also watched my own mom struggle to pay for my school lunches when was little. Thank you, this is going to really change some people's lives.”

    Valorey L., UTLDR Supporter

  • “I do not understand how school lunches were free for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 school years, but not any more.”

    Jessica M., UTLDR Supporter

  • "Thank you so much! As a mom who has had negative lunch balances for my kids and struggling to keep food on the table, this means the world to me!"

    Ashley M.

  • "My nephews in Nevada eat free. They live in one of the most prestigious communities in all of Las Vegas and every kid still gets a hot, fresh meal daily ♥️"

    Amanda J., UTLDR Supporter

  • "Every child deserves to eat regardless of if their family can afford it. School lunch balances add up and often aren’t a part of a families budget, many households do not qualify for free or reduced. This not only helps schools but also helps provide relief for parents and children."

    Jessica M., UTLDR Supporter

  • We are committed to ensuring Utah students receive the meals they need. I am grateful for the cooperation of the State Board of Education, our schools and districts.

    Utah Governor Spencer Cox