We have an important opportunity to advocate for free healthy school meals for all in Virginia. As champions of child nutrition, we know how essential access to nutritious meals is for our students’ success, and it’s time to amplify our voices.
Below, you’ll find a sample letter that we encourage you to personalize and send to your state representatives. Your message can make a difference in ensuring every child in Virginia has access to the healthy meals they need to thrive.
Use the button below to find your legislators and how to reach them.
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[School Name]
[School Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[State Representative’s Name]
[Office Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear [State Representative’s Name],
I am writing to you as a member of the School Nutrition Association of Virginia (SNA-VA) to express my strong support for the implementation and funding of universal free meals in our schools. As someone who is deeply involved in the daily operations of our school meal programs, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact that access to nutritious meals has on our students’ well-being and academic performance.
Universal free meals ensure that every child, regardless of their family’s financial situation, has access to the nutrition they need to thrive. This initiative not only addresses food insecurity but also removes the stigma associated with free or reduced-price meals, creating a more inclusive and supportive school environment.
Hunger is a significant barrier to learning. Students who come to school hungry are unable to concentrate, participate fully in class, or perform to the best of their abilities. By providing universal free meals, we can help eliminate this barrier and give all students an equitable opportunity to succeed.
Moreover, universal free meals simplify the administrative process for schools, allowing us to focus more on providing high-quality meals and less on paperwork, eligibility determinations, and the management of school lunch debt. This efficiency can lead to cost savings and better resource allocation, ultimately benefiting our entire school community.
[Add personal story or anecdote here about how you’ve seen universal free meals impact students, such as improved attendance, higher participation, focus, change in community perception, etc. or the reverse impacts of charging for meals, such as, meal debt, stigma, low participation, reduced revenue, etc.]
Eight states have passed legislation to provide nutritious, no-cost meals to their students. I urge you to support legislation that promotes universal free meals in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Investing in our children’s nutrition is an investment in the future of our students, our schools,
and our broader community. Thank you for your attention to this critical issue and for your continued support of our schools.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[School District]