Feed Every Florida Student
Florida public school students currently access school meals through a means-tested free and reduced-price lunch program that requires families to apply, qualify, and — in many cases — carry a visible stigma of economic need. Students whose families miss paperwork deadlines or fall just above income thresholds can go hungry, and the administrative burden falls on schools, families, and students alike. Research consistently links reliable access to nutritious meals with improved concentration, attendance, and academic achievement.
A bill has been filed in the Florida Legislature that would establish universal free school meals — providing cost-free breakfast and lunch to every student in a Florida public school, regardless of household income. Several states have already enacted similar laws, demonstrating that universal school meal programs are operationally feasible and eliminate the inequities and shame associated with means-testing. Allowing all students to receive free meals ensures equal access to nutrition while reducing administrative overhead for schools.
Constituents are urging Florida state legislators to support and pass universal free school meals legislation. This would remove income-based eligibility barriers, end meal debt and lunch shaming, and guarantee that every Florida public school student starts the school day fed and ready to learn.
View Call Scripts
Live Call Script
Hello, I am an assistant calling on behalf of a constituent, {{first_name}} {{last_name}} from {{city}}, {{state}} zip code {{zip_code}}. The constituent is calling to urge {{representative_name}} to support and vote YES on universal free school meals legislation currently before the Florida Legislature. This bill would provide free breakfast and lunch to every student in Florida public schools — regardless of family income — replacing the current means-tested application process that leaves some students hungry and others stigmatized. Key points to share: - Multiple states have already enacted universal free school meal programs, proving this policy is achievable. - Reliable school nutrition is directly tied to better academic performance, attendance, and student well-being. - Eliminating the application process reduces administrative burdens on schools and ensures no child falls through the cracks due to paperwork or income thresholds. - Meal debt and "lunch shaming" are documented harms to children that universal access would end entirely. Please ask {{representative_name}} to co-sponsor and vote in favor of universal free school meals legislation, and to prioritize this bill for a hearing and floor vote this session. Thank you.
Voicemail Version
I am calling on behalf of {{first_name}} {{last_name}}, a constituent from {{city}}, {{state}} {{zip_code}}. The constituent is urging {{representative_name}} to support and vote YES on universal free school meals legislation in the Florida Legislature. This bill would provide free breakfast and lunch to all Florida public school students regardless of income, eliminating stigma and ensuring every child has the nutrition they need to succeed academically. Please cosponsor this legislation and push for its passage this session. You may contact me at {{phone_number}} to discuss further.