Controversial Opinion: Free School Lunch for Every Child Is More Important Than Canceling Student Debt

The debate about whether society should focus on giving free school lunches to kids or paying off college debt for adults is a tough one, but I think helping children should come first.

Giving all children free school lunches directly supports their health, well-being, and learning. Kids can’t focus or do well in school if they are hungry, and many families struggle to afford a healthy lunch every day. By providing free lunches to every student, we make sure no child goes through the school day hungry. This helps create a fair chance for all kids to learn and succeed.

On the other hand, while paying off student loans is important for many adults, it mostly helps people who have already had a chance to go to college. Even with debt, college graduates usually earn more money than those who never went to college. Also, canceling student loans doesn’t fix the main problem of expensive education; it might only help for a short time.

Meanwhile, children are in the most vulnerable stage of their lives and rely on adults to meet their basic needs. If we want to create a better future, we should focus on supporting our youngest citizens first.

Providing free school lunches can bring long-term benefits to society. Healthy, well-fed children tend to do better in school, and good grades often lead to better-paying jobs in the future. By investing in children’s health now, we might help prevent future financial problems. It could also lower healthcare costs since kids who get proper nutrition are less likely to develop diet-related health issues like obesity or diabetes.

On the other hand, paying off college debt doesn’t guarantee benefits for everyone. While it would help many people struggling with loans, it doesn’t solve the bigger problem of economic inequality. Many who have student debt already have skills and education that help them get better jobs. Meanwhile, kids from low-income families, who might not even get a chance to attend college, are left behind.

It’s also crucial to realize that kids’ needs are urgent. For many families, finding money for daily meals is a constant challenge, which can harm a child’s growth and development. Solving this problem isn’t just about being kind; it’s a responsibility. We must ensure that all children, no matter their background, get what they need to thrive and succeed.

In conclusion, while helping with student loans is important, providing free school lunches has a more immediate and broader impact. By putting children’s needs first, we make a smart investment in the future of our society. Ensuring that every child gets healthy meals at school should take priority over paying off debts for adults who have already had their chance at higher education.