Combat Student Hunger

In 2025, The Policy Project created a law that increases access to no-cost school meals for Utah students.

See the impact

The Problem

In Utah, one in six children experiences hunger. For these kids, learning doesn’t come first—it comes second to food. Hunger impacts students’ academic performance, mental health, behavior, and long-term economic success.

In Beaver, a young girl resorted to eating dog food because she had nothing else at home.

In West Valley, a student living out of her family car received foods like mac and cheese from the food bank but had no way to cook them.

In Logan, a student-athlete told us he often scavenged pizza from a dumpster.

Between 2021 and 2023, the cost of a reasonably priced meal in Utah increased by 27%.

The Solution

During the 2025 Utah Legislative Session, House Bill 100: Food Security Amendments was signed into law and took effect July 1, 2025.

This law makes important changes to expand access to free school meals for families across the state. Most significantly, it eliminates the “reduced-price” lunch category so that students who previously qualified for reduced-price meals will now receive lunch at no cost.

The Impact

House Bill 100 provided 40,000 more students with access to no-cost school lunch.

Additional postive outcomes include:

No-cost school meals can reduce grocery bills for households with children as much as 19%

One study showed that providing students with meals led to a 13% to 16% improvement on an academic task.

Students reported that expanding eligibility for no-cost meals reduced the stigma associated with them.

Schools that provide no-cost meals have observed fewer suspensions and disciplinary actions.

Real Stories. Real Impact.

  • Cedar Ridge High School Graduate

    "The Teen Center gave me space to focus on school and work through personal challenges. I found a job, secured transportation, and now I’m attending Snow College—on my way to becoming a lawyer to help others like me."

  • Roy High School Administrator

    "For a young person sleeping in the parking lot, the Teen Center provided a lifeline—a place to clean up and feel human before facing the day."

  • Polaris High School Student

    "I used to get in trouble at work for having a dirty uniform. Thanks to the Teen Center, I can wash my clothes twice a week during school. It’s made a huge difference in how I feel about myself and my school work."

  • Student in St. George

    "I was super behind on my credits after missing a bunch of school. The Teen Center connected me with a mentor who helped me stay on track. Now I’m actually on pace to graduate—and I didn’t think that was possible a few months ago."

  • Student in Eagle Mountain

    "I always knew I wanted to go into the medical field but didn’t know where to start. The Teen Center helped me find CNA classes and showed me how to apply for scholarships. Now I’m getting real experience and feel excited about my future."

  • Student in Richfield

    "When the weather started getting cold, I was still wearing sandals because I didn’t have sneakers. One of the staff at the Teen Center noticed and helped me find a pair, along with a hoodie and warm socks. It might sound small, but walking to school warm and comfortable completely changed my day."

Ongoing Support

The Policy Project continues to support the successful implementation of this law by:

  • Crafting messaging to help families understand the new policy and how to access funding.

  • Exploring ways to increase access to school lunch, especially for economically disadvantaged areas.

  • Address stigma for students experiencing food insecurity and advocate for reduction of food waste.

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Pay off a student’s school meal debt. Help kids focus on learning—not hunger.

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