On the other hand, while student debt relief is a significant issue for many adults, it tends to benefit those who have already had the opportunity to pursue higher  education. College graduates, even with debt, often have greater earning potential than those who never attended college. Moreover, cancelling college debt would not address the root causes of rising education costs and may only provide temporary relief. Children, however, are at the most vulnerable stage of their lives and are entirely dependent on adults to provide for their basic needs. If we are serious about building a stronger future, we must invest in the well-being of our youngest citizens first.

Additionally, providing free school lunches can have long-term societal benefits. Healthy, well-nourished children are more likely to succeed academically, and better academic performance often translates into higher earnings later in life. This means that investing in children’s health today could help prevent future generations from falling into debt in the first place. Also, it could reduce healthcare costs in the long run, as children who grow up with access to proper nutrition are less likely to suffer from diet-related health problems, such as obesity or diabetes.

In contrast, paying off college debt does not guarantee that it will benefit society as a whole. While it would undoubtedly provide relief to many individuals, it does not solve the broader issue of economic inequality. Those who are most burdened by college debt often already possess skills and education that make them more employable, whereas children from low-income families, who may not even have the chance to go to college, are left behind.