Children Shouldn’t Have to Work for Their Lunches - Why Universal Free Meals Matter
By Larry Blake Harvey, Principal Consultant, Harvey & Smith Impact
Georgia Congressman Rep. Rich McCormick (R-Ga.) recently defended the White House’s decision to freeze federal aid for school lunch programs by arguing that some children should work instead of receiving free meals. In a CNN interview, he questioned whether kids should “stay home and get their free lunch instead of going to work” (Smith, 2025). His comments suggest that access to food should be contingent on labor - a perspective that ignores the realities of food insecurity, economic inequality, and childhood development.
At Harvey & Smith Impact, we work with nonprofits and local governments that address food insecurity, housing instability, and economic disparities. The data is clear: universal free meal (UFM) programs improve children’s health, academic performance, and long-term outcomes (Huang et al., 2023). Studies also show that means-tested lunch programs create unnecessary barriers, while UFM programs reduce stigma and ensure that no child is left hungry (Rogus et al., 2022).
McCormick’s argument - that cutting federal funding encourages self-sufficiency - overlooks the structural challenges low-income families face. Many parents already work multiple jobs, yet still struggle to afford food. Children should not be expected to enter the labor market simply to afford lunch. Instead of shifting responsibility onto kids, we should be advocating for stronger policies that ensure all children have access to nutritious meals without barriers.
This is not about discouraging work; it’s about prioritizing education and childhood well-being over economic output. No child should have to “earn” the right to eat. McCormick’s comments frame free school meals as government overreach, but they are a proven investment in future generations. It’s time to recognize school meals for what they are: a fundamental right, not a privilege.
References
Huang, J., Barnidge, E., & Kim, Y. (2023). The association between universal free meal programs and food insecurity among children: Evidence from the National School Lunch Program. Journal of School Health, 93(2), 89-105.
Rogus, S., Guthrie, J. F., & Ralston, K. (2022). Perceptions of universal free meals in the National School Lunch Program: Equity and policy implications. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 54(4), 362-375.
Smith, A. (2025, January 28). Rich McCormick suggests kids should work instead of getting free school lunches. NBC News. Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna189614.
About the Author
Larry Blake Harvey is the Principal Consultant at Harvey & Smith Impact, specializing in nonprofit funding and community development. He works with nonprofits and local governments on issues like food insecurity, housing, and economic policy.