During the COVID-19 pandemic, all students were given free lunches as a means of reparations from the U.S Government, for all who were affected financially. However, the return of students in 2022 did not come with the return of free lunches; instead, it came with a new and increased lunch price.
With the increased prices, questions are being raised on possible effects on students. Mansfield ISD’s Director of Federal Funds Rita Denton assesses the situation and its causes.
“It is unfortunate that food prices in our current economy are so inflated right now,” Ms. Denton said. “We’re doing everything possible to make sure that the expiration of federal waivers does not impact students’ academic performance, mental health, and physical well-being.”
Legacy’s Cafeteria Manager, Pam Sims, believes that the COVID-19 pandemic heavily impacted students who were already struggling financially. With the current inflation rates, some students are unable to pay the new $3.75 price for lunch.
“As a mother, I would hate for my children to be affected due to financial problems,” Ms. Sims said. “There are many students who have low access to food at home and harder access at school.”
The percentage of students who eat lunch at Legacy dropped from 70% to 60%. Legacy’s food department offers alternative programs to provide low-income students with affordable lunches.
“We have a Free and Reduced Lunch Program that helps so many of our MISD families, as well as several organizations that hold food drives such as Common Ground, and Mansfield Mission Center,” “The group Harvesting in Mansfield comes to the Performing Arts Center periodically to help the community.” Ms. Denton said. “Overall, the future of this situation can’t be determined at this time with the country is still recovering from the global pandemic and supply chain issues still being resolved across the nation,” “What can be guaranteed is that we are going to serve quality plates to kids based on foods that they like and will make decisions and processes that do good for the mental and physical health of our students.”
