Universal Meals for All Students

As a longtime advocate for universal school meals, Ebony Burnett has championed every child’s right to eat, without stigma, debt, or barriers.

In her role as Senior Association Youth Development Director at the YMCA of Greensboro, Ebony launched a free summer feeding program that delivered over 40,000 meals to youth. Her work ensured that hunger never stood in the way of learning or belonging.

Ebony’s commitment is deeply personal. As a child, she faced difficult times, and school was sometimes the only place she knew she’d eat. That experience shaped her advocacy. She knows students in our district are facing the same struggle today.

Well-fed students focus better, learn more, and feel seen. Universal meals aren’t just a policy, they’re a promise that every child matters. Ebony is fighting to keep that promise.

Ebony believes we should:

• Advocate for school meals to be free for all students, every day

• Push for funding and policies that make meal access simple, healthy, and inclusive

• Ensure that nutrition services are student-centered, culturally responsive, and welcoming

• Support partnerships that expand access to local, fresh, and nutritious food options