Teachers are the backbone and foundation of schools. Without them, children would not have access to an education. They are mentors, role models and guides who help shape the minds of future generations. For many students, teachers are among the first adults, outside of their family, to have a profound impact on their lives.
That begs the question, if teachers contribute so much to our society, why is it that on top of their low salaries, they have to pay for lunch at the very schools they teach? After the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. began to implement plans for free lunches at public schools to help families financially. However, at the end of each day, there are dozens of meals that are not eaten by students. It is simply a waste of food. Teachers play a crucial role in shaping students’ minds, encouraging creativity and teaching moral principles. They often put in long hours, stay after school to grade classwork, provide students with help and plan the next day’s lesson. Teachers are the heart of every school. They play a critical role in transforming schools from mere buildings into vibrant centers of learning and growth.
Teachers all around the world do not get paid enough, even though their job is one of the most important. According to ZipRecruiter the average salary is around $50,000 with a range of $39,000-67,000 in the Bay Area. It may sound like a good chunk of money, but living is far more expensive here than in other areas. Teachers also use a lot of their own money to pay for school supplies, menstrual products and food for their students; they are not obligated to buy things like this, but they do it because they care for them. Asking them to pay for school lunches further adds to the financial burden that their job brings. Providing free lunches would be a small but impactful gesture to ease their stress, allowing teachers to focus on their work without worrying about daily meal expenses or having to pack lunch every night. In high school, much of the student body goes out to eat because they are older and can likely drive, so the amount of lunch made is usually in excess.
Teachers should not have to pay for school lunch because they play a critical role in shaping the future of society and deserve support for their well-being while on the job. Providing free or cheaper meals to teachers not only acknowledges their valuable contributions but also ensures they are ready and focused to perform at their best. Teachers already face significant financial challenges, often using their own money for classroom supplies, and eliminating the burden of paying for lunch would ease some of this strain. Additionally, offering free meals demonstrates respect for their dedication and fosters a positive school environment, ultimately benefiting students and the community as a whole. By supporting teachers in this way, we understand their importance to the success of our education system.
