Because this is a social good that results in ROI over decades. If something is not immediately profitable, it is difficult for the private market to be leveraged to find an optimal solution. Situations like that are typically where government has to step in.
Yes, this helps poor workers because their kids get free meals. This isn’t raising taxes on the poor.
Where does the money come from?
Everyone. Literally everyone. When you’re poor, you get the money back on your taxes.
How about we dont take the money in the first place
Because this is a social good that results in ROI over decades. If something is not immediately profitable, it is difficult for the private market to be leveraged to find an optimal solution. Situations like that are typically where government has to step in.