A new statewide poll released to the public on Tuesday revealed that an overwhelming majority of Illinois voters support providing taxpayer-funded, free, and healthy school meals to all public school students, even when informed that it would require a new tax.
The report noted, “That this strong consensus transcends partisanship and geography despite concerns over rising household costs and potential federal funding cuts, emphasizing the urgency and public backing for state-level action.”
Overall, the data illustrated that 84% of registered voters support the initiative, with 65% who strongly support it. This includes 70% of Republicans and 82% of swing voters – individuals without strong political leanings who make up an important 39% of the electorate.
Shelly Wuellner of Bunker Hill Community Unit School District #8. stated:
“As a school food service director, I have a front-row seat to the impact of providing kids with healthy school meals. Our busiest serving days are Fridays and Mondays, because our food-insecure students are making sure they get enough to eat before and after they go home for the weekend. It’s critical to fund this program and ensure families have the support they need for kids to reach their full potential and contribute positively to Illinois’ future, no matter their background.”
In 2023, the General Assembly passed House Bill 2471, an initiative to provide universal school meals to all public school students in Illinois. However, the program remains unfunded. With one in six Illinois children facing hunger, advocates are calling on lawmakers to fulfill the promise of this policy.
Dr. Kate Rowland, MD, FAAFP, President of the Illinois Academy of Family Physicians and a doctor at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago made clear her concerns as well.
“Hungry kids can’t learn. Access to nutritious meals at school is foundational for a child’s cognitive development, academic success, and long-term well-being. There are families across Illinois who are unable to afford school meals, leaving kids struggling to keep up. This poll sends a clear message to lawmakers: Illinoisans are willing to invest in our children’s health and education.”
The new poll showed that support remains robust 71% even after voters are made aware it could be funded with a new tax. A resilient 67% of voters still backed the initiative after hearing a statement from opponents attacking a new tax which could fund this initiative, including a consistent 65% of election-deciding swing voters.
At a time when rising costs are a top concern for most voters, a sturdy two-thirds majority supporting a tax to curb hunger and help kids learn is particularly notable.
The poll also found a political upside for elected officials: 62% of voters say they would view a lawmaker more favorably if they supported free school meals. Elected officials are likely to see a boost among the voters most likely to decide elections, as 62% of swing voters and 54% of self-identified Independents say they would be more favorable to someone who supports free school meals.
In addition, there is unlikely to be much–if any–backlash: only 9% of voters overall say they would be less favorable to an elected official who supports this initiative, and the plurality of Republicans – 40% – say it would make no difference to them.
Kathryn Bernstein, MPH, RDN of the Illinois Public Health Institute noted that:
“Access to healthy, nourishing food improves student well-being and academic performance, and reduces the stigma too often associated with free school meals. No child should have to learn on an empty stomach, and no family should have to choose between groceries and rent. Illinois has the opportunity—and public support—to do something important, equitable, and compassionate. Lawmakers have already created a program to ensure our students are healthy and set up for success. Now, they need to fund it.”
You can read the [public memo and polling information below.
