A New Poll Indicates Strong Support for Universal School Breakfast in Maryland

Recent Poll Indicates Strong Support for Universal School Breakfast in Maryland

A new poll from Solving Hunger, a project backed by Tusk Philanthropies, has revealed that an overwhelming majority of Maryland voters are in favor of offering free school breakfast to all K-12 students in the state. 76% of those surveyed support this initiative, highlighting a growing demand for increased access to nutritious meals in schools.

The survey conducted by Hart Research between December 4 and 8, 2025, sampled 600 registered voters. A significant 60% of respondents expressed strong support, and a majority indicated they would be more inclined to vote for a legislator who champions this proposal.

Lisa Quigley, the Director of Solving Hunger, emphasized the urgency of addressing nutritional needs amid uncertainties in federal policy. “If Arkansas can feed all of their kids breakfast, surely Maryland can do what's right,” she stated. The call to action comes as Maryland is set to enter its next legislative session, with advocates urging lawmakers to embrace this initiative.

Interestingly, even when respondents were exposed to criticisms of the program, support only dipped by 5 points, signifying robust public backing. One of the key arguments made was regarding the current eligibility levels for free meals, which many deem excessively low. In Maryland, a family of four must earn less than $42,000 to qualify for free school meals. With rising grocery prices, many families above this threshold are still struggling to make ends meet, creating a pressing need for universal breakfast programs.

Moreover, in affluent school districts within Maryland, many children still go hungry. The survey highlighted these disparities, arguing that the initiative could provide crucial support for children who currently do not have access to adequate meals at school.

Maryland is not alone in this push for free breakfast; three other states—Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Arkansas—have successfully implemented similar programs, with nine additional states including Maine, California, and Michigan also providing free meals to students. The estimated cost for Maryland to roll out universal school breakfast stands at approximately $36 million annually, a sum that could be partially offset by existing federal funding.

The collective momentum around this issue suggests a significant shift in public opinion towards the importance of school nutrition. As states continue to navigate food insecurity issues, Maryland's potential for following suit with a free breakfast program reflects a broader movement towards equitable access to resources for all students.

For further information and to access more resources, visit Solving Hunger Maryland.

As Maryland prepares for its legislative session, the focus on food security and nutrition highlights a critical intersection of education and health. Advocates believe that adopting universal breakfast programs could not only bridge the gap in meal access but also improve overall student well-being and academic performance. This poll serves as a catalyst for change in Maryland, reflecting a substantial desire among voters for policies that ensure all children have a nutritious start to their day at school. The call to action is clear: the time is now for Maryland to take significant steps towards providing universal breakfast to its students, ensuring that no child starts their day on an empty stomach.