Presenters tell committee Vermont's universal school meals boosted participation and cut debt but funding questions remain

A student research team told a legislative committee that Vermont's universal school meals program increased participation, reduced stigma and helped schools purchase local food, but they cautioned that funding sources and long-term federal support remain uncertain.

"Everybody that we interviewed had overwhelming support of the program. When asked whether or not they wanted to continue it, they all said yes," one presenter said summarizing interviews with school nutrition coordinators.

Why it matters: Presenters estimated the state cost of the universal meals program at about $18.5 million and reported that the program expanded free-meal coverage to roughly 60% of students (an increase from pre-pandemic counts used in eligibility estimates). They told the committee that the program reduced school meal debt and helped districts buy more local food through incentives.

What the presenters did and found

- Methods: The research…