VP candidate Tim Walz has been making news for his wholesome and non-toxic masculinity. And his policy wins in Minnesota, particularly his free school lunches program, set a great example for what is possible throughout the country.
In 2023, Governor Walz passed the Free School Meals bill, a program that provides free meals to all students, regardless of income. That fall, 4.3 million more breakfasts and 4.5 million more lunches were served to students across Minnesota than the year before.
Governor Walz’s photo as he signed that bill has become a metaphor for the Harris/Walz campaign. Don’t we want folks in the White House who support kids and families? Don’t we want this kind of joy?
Free school meals are a big deal. Not only does food insecurity translate to lower test scores, it can also lead to more absences and tardiness. Food-insecure students are less likely to graduate high school. And making school meals free for everyone reduces the stigma for students who need them.
But even students who don’t financially need a free meal benefit — school meals are more nutritious than the average meal a kid brings from home. And they’re even good for people without kids in school! One study showed that free school meals can lead to an overall reduction in grocery spending, which prompts grocery stores to lower prices by about 5%.
Governor Walz has also been able to expand paid leave, expand access to healthcare, and protect reproductive freedom. But—and this is crucial—he didn’t do it alone. His policy wins were possible in Minnesota because of a blue wave in the 2022 election. Along with re-electing Walz as governor, Democrats won majorities in both the state House and Senate.
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are charismatic and inspiring leaders who share our values, but if we stop at the top of the ticket, we won’t see the changes America needs. We need to vote for leaders up and down the ballot who will support programs like Free School Meals.
So let’s all spread the word and pass the tater-tot hotdish!
Pass The Hotdish