Editor: My personal experience as a student in the Cherry Creek School District compels me to advocate for universal school meals.
During my middle school years, my father lost his job. For a short period, my family experienced financial uncertainty, but one thing was for sure; I would receive school meals. These healthy, consistent meals contributed to my well-being at school. I was able to eat well and focus on my studies.
I am now a sophomore at the University of Denver studying international relations and business analytics. Free school meals are an important part of my academic success story.
I want all children in Colorado to eat well, yet 16 percent of children in our state face food insecurity due to financial constraints. Universal meals can help ensure children eat well, and reduce the stigma students feel when engaging in selective free and reduced meal programs.
Universal meals can help ensure children eat well, and reduce the stigma students feel when engaging in selective free and reduced meal programs.
The COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the needs of children in our state, yet thanks to federal support, Colorado students have received free school meals during the pandemic. When that federal support ends, children will face great needs.
We cannot go back. The Colorado General Assembly has the chance with Senate Bill 22-087, Healthy Meals for all Public School Students, to ensure all Colorado students can access healthy, free, consistent meals.
Join me in calling on our state legislators to invest in the wellbeing and academic success of Colorado Students by advancing Senate Bill 22-087.
— Daniel Cieraszynski, via letters@sentinelcolorado.com