IndexIntroductionFree school lunchesOpposition and rebuttalConclusionWorks CitedIntroductionChildren are delicate and it is important to provide them with the necessary support they need at school, including access to free school lunches. The question of whether school lunches should be free or not is a long-standing debate without a clear consensus. Supporters argue that children benefit greatly from free lunch programs, while critics argue that providing free food is not within the scope of a school's responsibilities. This essay will argue that children in schools should be given free lunch due to the negative impact of hunger on learning and the long-term consequences of food insecurity. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Free School Lunches Research has shown a strong correlation between free school lunches and improved academic performance. Schwartz and Rothbart found that students who benefited from such programs had better grades [1]. Hungry children struggle to concentrate in class, which leads to poor exam results. Adequate nutrition is essential for optimal brain function, underscoring the importance of providing free meals to those in need. A poor diet can hinder children's cognitive development, making it difficult for them to concentrate in class. Therefore, the lack of free meals in schools contributes to poor performance, lack of concentration and general health, potentially leading to high dropout rates and limited opportunities for these children later in life. Most children in need of free meals come from food-insecure homes. With growing economic hardship, more and more families living near or below the poverty line cannot afford to meet their basic needs. Denying these children free meals puts them in a vulnerable position, as they may have nothing to eat when they return home. These children experience hunger both in and out of school, resulting in prolonged lack of essential nutrients and negative health implications. Poverty is a significant factor influencing school dropout rates, and the lack of free meals further exacerbates this problem [2]. By providing free meals, schools can help these children stay in school and help build a healthier society in the long term. Opposition and Rebuttal Opponents argue that supporting free lunch programs is costly and draws attention away from schools' primary focus, which is teaching. However, these claims are weak and do not justify eliminating such initiatives. The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) compensates schools for the costs incurred in providing free lunch to students [3]. Schools receive reimbursements from the government, which indicates that the expense argument is not true. Furthermore, providing free lunch to students should be seen as part of the school's responsibility to create an environment conducive to learning. It would be useless to teach hungry children without addressing the underlying causes of their difficulties. Therefore, schools have a moral obligation to provide free meals to students in need. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Conclusion In conclusion, it is critical that schools support free lunch initiatives for overall well-being and success. 1-53.