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In Growing Number of States, Every Student Gets Free Meal at School

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, lawmakers in several states decided to make free food at school for all students a permanent arrangement.
In Growing Number of States, Every Student Gets Free Meal at School
A student eats lunch at Yung Wing School P.S. 124 in New York City on Feb. 4, 2022. Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
Aaron Gifford
Aaron Gifford
12/20/2025|Updated: 12/21/2025
0:00

Public schools are offering free lunches in an increasing number of states across the country, regardless of income.

Legislation for universal free school meals is currently pending in 11 states and Washington and may be considered in the upcoming 2026 sessions, according to the respective state government websites and the National Conference of State Legislatures’ education legislation database.
Aaron Gifford
Aaron Gifford
Author
Aaron Gifford has written for several daily newspapers, magazines, and specialty publications and also served as a federal background investigator and Medicare fraud analyst. He graduated from the University at Buffalo and is based in Upstate New York.
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