Free Lunch Academics

Kirra Hantske

This research focuses on the effects of free lunch offered to students all over the world. Students can suffer academically, physically, and mentally just from not eating during the school day. It is important that we as a society, community, and country look into the benefits of offering free lunch. Research and sources were found through Lander library databases. The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a starter for free lunch programs all over the country. Funded by the government, free lunch programs were studied for improvement in students test scores. The studies found that students' test scores did improve in specific areas, including reading. This data gathered supports the idea that students need good nutrition to maintain the attention, focus, and motivation to succeed. Based on the research investigated for this project, free reduced meal programs should be offered nationwide because they promote student success in and out of the school environment.

• Kirra Hantske is a graduating senior interdisciplinary studies major who lives in Greenville, SC.