On November 4th this year, people around the United States voted in mayoral elections, along with policies and other regional elections – one of the topics being free school lunch for everyone in Cherry Creek Schools.

The score was close, 59.7% of votes went towards yes, the other 40.3% voted no, which ultimately led to students getting free lunches.

Why Does Free Lunch Matter?

“I think it’s good. I think people are hungry and they need it. Taking away free lunch just takes away a meal from some kids who can’t afford it,” Chase Konsonsovitch (10th) said.

Every student needs to have access to free school lunch. Having a meal available helps support a productive day of learning, and even if a student chooses not to eat the school lunch, it’s reassuring to know that the option is always there.

“It’s convenient because some people can’t afford lunch these days,” Peter Kaminski (9th) said.

Fairness and Opportunity

“Yeah, I think it makes it a fair place because nobody has to pay for the food they’re getting – it’s just equal for everybody. Everybody gets the food that they need to go out there on their day,”  Sophomore Carter Wallace said. 

Many students shared that universal free lunch has made school feel more equal. When every student can access a meal, it removes stigma and ensures everyone has the energy to learn. Without food, students often struggle to focus, and universal meals help prevent that by making sure no one is sitting in class on an empty stomach.

“It provides lunch for people who might not be able to get it otherwise,” Kaminski said.

Quality of Food

“It’s all right. There are a couple of good things, but it’s average. My favorite thing is the sides – like the little mango cups,” Chase Konsonvitch (10th) Said.

Many students prefer the sides – like the oranges – or the pizza. Though it’s not something like Chick-fil-A or Chipotle, it is a free meal, which helps many students receive food on a day they otherwise wouldn’t.  

“I honestly think it could be better, I wouldn’t say healthy, ’cause it’s just pizza – but it does help me eat more regularly because I know I can just get food here, ” Wallace said.

Focus and School Performance

“It helps me in school because I can lock in on my schoolwork –  I don’t have to focus on how hungry I am. You just know at lunch, you’ll have a meal waiting for you,” Wallace said.

Food is essential for students to get through the long school day, helping them focus better on tests and other work.

Keeping the Free Lunch Program

“Yes, I do think they should keep it because it helps students focus on schoolwork instead of food. It helps people at home if they don’t have food at home. It does suck that it might raise taxes, but also, I’d have to pay for food anyway,” Wallace said.

The free lunch program is highly beneficial because it guarantees that students who are hungry or cannot afford a meal still receive essential nutrients. This support helps them stay focused throughout the day and keeps their academic performance from being affected by food insecurity.

Increase Taxes

“If it increases taxes by a lot, that’s bad,” Timothesislovsky Caslabsky (9th) said.

However, because nothing is truly free, the program does require funding. That cost will likely raise certain taxes, especially for homeowners or property owners in counties where CCSD schools are located.

With the new bill in place, all students will receive free lunch. Although taxes may increase as a result, many argue that the investment is worthwhile, ensuring students are well-fed, prepared, and able to tackle the school day with a full stomach.