My research examined how structural inequalities, limited resources, and overreliance on individual effort undermine school meal programs in high-poverty districts like Lansingburgh, NY. Focusing on food justice and policy, I combined literature review and interviews with school staff to reveal why well-meaning programs like Farm-to-School often fall short without systemic change. This work highlights the real barriers students face in accessing healthy food and calls for solutions that go beyond local initiatives to address deeper social and economic injustices.