In reaction to the Covid-19 pandemic, the United States Department of Agriculture provided schools the ability to give free meals to all students, beginning in March of 2020. Additionally, this program provided easier access to summer meals without filling out an income form, more access to food that met specific dietary needs, and daily grab-and-go meals we saw first hand here at Fargo South High. The enactment of this at schools provided a lifeline for so many families during such a major crisis, especially in the midst of our crashing economy. 

This piece of legislation however, will soon come to a close, much to the chagrin of many parents, politicians, organizations, and concerned citizens. As of the last day of school this year, meals will revert back to original prices, and students will either pay for lunch, or fill out a free and reduced lunch form as students were required to do before 2020. Schools will lose a majority of their reimbursement for lunches, and this combined with the rising cost of supplies and labor, is projected to see major fallout. Not only this, but many families will lose access to the healthier foods the school system provides, causing a major problem for millions of people who depend on it.  

Many senators and politicians are deeply unsatisfied with the expiration of this program, as it creates many barriers for families seeking financial aid. There has been notable avocation to keep this program, however the bill is still set to expire. As of next school year, some public California schools even plan to continue to offer free and reduced lunch without requiring evidence of income disparity. 

As families across America brace for the possible financial burden of this, many school and public leaders continue to fight for the renewal of this program in such economically unstable times. The renewal of this could be the start of a new future in American schools, or more schools could adopt the initiative of their own accord. This controversy has resulted in a major call to action of the government to do more for our school systems, and provide dependable, nutritious meals for all students in need.