Hunger is a real problem — find out how these kids are fighting for those in need

School lunches have often been a source of contention, from students wanting better food to parents concerned about the quality of meals.

Now, a group of fifth graders in Malverne are hoping to improve the nutritional values of school meals.

The students are concerned that the nutritional needs of underprivileged students throughout the state are not being met — and they are urging elected officials to take action.

The Davison Avenue School Ambassadors prepared a Call-to-Action proposal. The students met with state Senator Kevin Thomas to discuss their ideas about how to improve the school meal program and ensure that no student goes hungry.

The students feel there is a demand for programs that provide free meals to students in need, eliminate lunch debt, provide education on nutrition and eliminate food shaming.

The students requested that Thomas sponsor a bill that would allow more students to qualify for free or reduced cost school meals, create educational nutrition programs for K-12 students and provide adequate funding for the upgrades.

The Davison Ambassadors are committed to their cause and will be following up with Thomas to make sure their voices are heard in Albany.