LAMA Joins Statewide Coalition to Support Continued Investment in School Meals

At Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), we believe that ensuring children have access to nutritious food is not only sound public policy—it is a moral imperative rooted in our faith. That’s why LAMA recently signed on to a coalition letter led by the Arizona School Nutrition Advocacy Group, urging continued state investment in school meals.

You can read the full coalition letter here.

Why This Matters

In recent years, Arizona has taken an important step forward by investing state funds to eliminate the reduced-price co-pay for school meals—just 30 cents for breakfast and 40 cents for lunch. While those amounts may seem small, they can be a real barrier for families already struggling to make ends meet.

The coalition letter affirms that this investment has made a measurable difference. When similar policies were in place using federal funds from 2023–2024, participation in school meals increased significantly, with schools serving more than 1 million additional meals each month. That means more children had consistent access to the nutrition they need to learn, grow, and thrive.

What We’re Asking

The coalition—made up of parents, educators, health professionals, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations like LAMA—is urging state leaders to:

• Maintain at least $1.6 million in ongoing funding to continue eliminating the reduced-price co-pay

• Provide stability for schools and families

• Ensure that no child falls through the cracks when it comes to access to healthy meals

As the letter emphasizes, school meals are as essential to a child’s success as textbooks and transportation .

A Faith-Based Perspective

For LAMA, this work is deeply connected to our faith and our call to love our neighbors. In the Lutheran tradition, we understand “daily bread” to include all that is necessary for life—food, health, community, and dignity. Ensuring that children can access nutritious meals at school is a direct expression of that calling.

We also recognize that hunger impacts more than just physical health. Research cited in the letter shows that school meals are linked to improved attendance, academic performance, and even mental health outcomes . When we invest in feeding children, we are investing in their future—and in the well-being of our communities.

Broad Support Across Arizona

As shown on page 1 of the letter, the sign-on includes a wide range of organizations—from health groups like the American Heart Association to community partners like food banks and education advocates—demonstrating strong, bipartisan and cross-sector support for this issue .

LAMA is proud to stand alongside these partners in advocating for policies that reflect both compassion and common sense.

Moving Forward

As state budget discussions continue, we will keep advocating for policies that ensure every child in Arizona has access to the nutrition they need. We invite you to join us—by staying informed, contacting your legislators, and lifting up the importance of food security in your community.

Together, we can help build a state where every child is nourished, supported, and able to reach their full potential.