As universal free school meals end, are Wisconsin families ready for it? - Monroe Times

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As universal free school meals end, are Wisconsin families ready for it?

Elected officials and advocates debate the fate of free school meals that provided relief to families during the pandemic

After the Goodman family of Waukesha took a major financial hit during the pandemic, Jana Goodman was grateful for the universal free school meals offered at her son’s school. In June 2021, the Waukesha School Board voted to stop participating in the federal program. After an outcry, the board reversed its decision — but the program has since lapsed. Pictured at their home on July 12, 2022, are Goodman and her children, from left, Miles, 4, Sabrina, 1, and Jacob, 7.

o081122_wis-watch-1 — After the Goodman family of Waukesha took a major financial hit during the pandemic, Jana Goodman was grateful for the universal free school meals offered at her son’s school. In June 2021, the Waukesha School Board voted to stop participating in the federal program. After an outcry, the board reversed its decision — but the program has since lapsed. Pictured at their home on July 12, 2022, are Goodman and her children, from left, Miles, 4, Sabrina, 1, and Jacob, 7.

By Erin Gretzinger and Maddie Bergstrom