We’ve all heard the expression “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.”

The Cambridge Dictionary defines the idiom’s meaning as “there’s always a cost for something you want.”

We have to agree, as adults, that it’s wise to be wary of the motivations of people, businesses and organizations who may be trying to give us something for nothing. That goes for social media contacts, employers and government officials.

But when it comes to our kids, we believe that free lunch is worth the price. Michigan is one of eight states that now offer free lunch to all grade school and high school students.

An Associated Press article published in Monday’s Mining Journal notes that schools nationwide provided free meals to all at the height of the pandemic, which sent participation soaring.

Then, when federal aid ran out in spring 2022, most states reverted back to their original policy which provided free or discounted meals only for kids who qualified.

“That left out families that weren’t poor enough, stigmatized those who were, and added to growing school meal debt,” the article states.

Every Michigan school district that chooses to participate will be reimbursed for all meals served to students who do not qualify for free or reduced lunches through the National School Lunch Program.

In order to qualify, schools must participate in the NSLP program and serve breakfast and lunch to their students.

The $160 million budget appropriation will make free meals available to all of Michigan’s 1.4 million public school children, and Aug. 4 Michigan Department of Education press release states.

This is important, not just for the simple fact that it keeps all public school students fed while taking the financial burden off of their respective districts, but because kids who are hungry simply don’t learn as well, according to national nonprofit No Kid Hungry.

The NKH website says nearly 60% of children from low income communities reported being hungry when they got to school.

Teachers noticed the impact of hunger as well. In fact, 80% observed that hunger negatively impacted concentration, and 76% saw decreased academic performance when kids come to school hungry. Educators also noted that behavioral issues and instances of illness also increased.

So, while it’s true that there’s no such thing as a free lunch, we believe feeding our public school children is worth the price taxpayers will pay.

While we are sure that this new program may not be perfect out of the gate, it should help our children — and by extension — our public schools and communities.