During the pandemic, the federal government provided free school meals to all K-12 students. In 2023, the legislature provided funding to continue offering universal school meals in Vermont. Universal school meals offer many benefits, including more predictability for schools in meal planning and purchasing, less stigma surrounding school meals, and increased opportunities for partnerships with local farms, leading to the re-entry of dollars into Vermont’s economy. Several Vermont schools have applauded how the program has positively impacted health and behavioral outcomes and expanded nutrition and food education.