Maine lawmakers moving to provide free meals for students

James Myall, an analyst at the Maine Center for Economic Policy, told the committee food insecurity can affect a child’s physical and mental health, academic achievement and future economic prosperity, all of which have broader societal effects.

“Studies show that such programs improve the health and well-being of low income students who might already be eligible but who are not receiving free meals, and on the higher-income students who become newly eligible for free meals,” Myall told members of the Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs during a recent hearing on the bill.

“Over the longer term, this means better graduation rates and higher earnings in adulthood for these children,” he said.

Click here to read the full story, first published June 9, 2021, in The Center Square.