Free School Meals for Madison Coalition

media release: Food insecurity is a major issue affecting millions of individuals and families across our country. Feeding America, a nationwide network of food banks and pantries, reports that in 2023, 47 million people in the United States are food insecure. In our state, 1 in 6 children face hunger. This is not how things have to be. 

There is a deep need in our community and beyond to make free and healthy school meals available for all students. That’s why Freedom Inc., MTI (Madison Teachers Inc.), Families for Justice, WI Poor People’s Campaign, and Madison Area Democratic Socialist of America (DSA) have partnered together to form the Free School Meals for Madison Coalition. This coalition is dedicated to informing the community about the benefits of free school meals and showing how we can all come together and hold our School Board and other elected officials accountable and demand they make free school meals for all K-12 students a reality.

That’s why we’re inviting the community to join us on Tuesday, April 22, for dinner and an informative talk about what we can do to ensure that no Madison student goes hungry.

When: Tuesday, April 22, 6-8 pm, Freedom, Inc., 2110 Luann Ln, Madison, WI 53713

Register Here: forms.gle/57WaWwwU8R4CzaU48

Virtual Option: Livestreaming at facebook.com/AboutFreedomInc

The evening will include a panel discussion featuring the following guest speakers:

• Rep. Francesca Hong – Co-sponsor of the Wisconsin Free School Meals legislation proposal 
• Dr. Jennifer Gaddis - Associate Professor, Civil Society and Community Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the author of The Labor of Lunch
• Amy Washbush - Associate Director, Center for Community & Nonprofit Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Students from East High Food Equity Club will speak about their school food experiences. 

Free food and on-site childcare will be provided. Also, please note that this event will be recorded and shared publicly. We encourage all to stop by and learn how we can effect meaningful change for our community’s children.

Want to learn more or get involved with Free School Meals in Madison? Visit dsausa.us/schoolmeals or email MADSA.schoolmeals@gmail.com.