<p>Commentary: Voice of OC</p>
<p>By Kristie To</p>
<p>This school year, California’s new “School Meals for All” program began. As a student leader serving my school, the city of Irvine, and the California Association of Student Councils, I applaud California for being the first state to provide every K–12 student in our public schools with free breakfast and lunch.</p>
<p>My peers and I rely on school breakfast and lunch every day. Many of my closest friends do not have the time and are not in the financial situation to provide themselves with meals to fuel their school day and concentrate in class. My parents and older sister have full-time jobs, and I struggle to prepare meals for myself with my busy schedule. This new program has alleviated the stress of buying and preparing meals that previously strained students and families.</p>
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<div id="om-rxqvubfrcnbn2q6jusey-holder">Additionally, the free school meal program brings together the student body as a community. My friends and I often join the lunch line together, and I enjoy making conversation with my peers as we wait to be served our meals. When everyone receives meals for free, students are more likely to eat at school.</div>
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<div>To read the entire op-ed, visit <a href="https://voiceofoc.org/2022/11/to-student-leader-applauds-californias-free-school-meals-for-all/">Voice of OC</a>.</div>
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Student Leader Applauds California’s Free School Meals for All