Resolution in Support of School Meals for All in North Carolina

Whereas, right now children in North Carolina are held back by hunger; and

Whereas, we can improve student outcomes and strengthen our communities by making breakfast and lunch available in North Carolina public schools at no cost to families; and

Whereas, one in five children in North Carolina experience hunger on a daily basis and in our most rural counties, as many as one in three children experience hunger; and

Whereas, providing no-cost school meals to all students in North Carolina public schools will ensure every child has access to healthy, nutritious breakfast and lunch; promote student academic achievement; and eliminate meal debt and “lunch shaming;” and

Whereas, partnerships between schools, farmers, and food distributors create new market opportunities for North Carolina’s agricultural sector while ensuring students receive nutritious meals; and

Whereas, North Carolina is home to a rich agricultural industry, and sourcing locally grown fruits, vegetables, dairy, proteins and grains for school meals stimulates economic growth in rural communities; and 

Whereas, studies show that providing students with healthy meals at school makes them more attentive and engaged in the classroom, leading to better grades, higher attendance rates, and higher graduation rates; and

Whereas, nearly 28% of children who lack access to regular, nutritious meals likely do not qualify for free- or reduced-price meals at school; and

Whereas, school meals are healthy and meet strict national nutrition guidelines; and 

Whereas, no-cost school meals would ensure every child has the opportunity to access nutritious meals at school; and

Whereas, school meals are an investment in our economy; and

Whereas, we all do better when our children have healthy meals.

Therefore, be it resolved that this organization supports the School Meals for All NC coalition until every public school in North Carolina has access to no-cost school meals.