Saved by the Lunch Bell: As Economy Sinks, School Nutrition Program Participation Rises

The School Nutrition Association has published an analysis of student participation in free and reduced price breakfast and lunch programs during the 2008-2009 school year.  The report, Saved by the Lunch Bell: As Economy Sinks, School Nutrition Program Participation Rises, which examines 137 school nutrition programs in districts of varying size in 38 states, appears as a follow up to Heats On: School Meals Under Financial Pressure, published in September 2008. 

Major findings include:

• School districts have seen a 2.5% average increase in students who qualify for free or reduced price meals.  This number represents an average of 425,000 additional low- or no-cost meals being provided.
• Many districts have seen a decrease in students purchasing paid school meals.  This may be attributed to increased participation in free and reduced price meal programs.
• A slight increase was recorded in the number of students who have unpaid or overdue accounts with their school nutrition program.  Families who owe money typically participate in the reduced price meal category.
• Many districts noted a decrease in the purchases of a la carte items.

The report suggests that given rising rates of participation in the free and reduced price categories, school nutrition programs are more important than ever before.  Unfortunately, the current federal reimbursement rate of $2.57 does not cover the cost of food, energy, and labor.  On average, schools are losing $0.33 per meal. 

In addition, the report highlights comments from School Nutrition Directors and recommends legislative actions to ensure successful School Nutrition Programs including an economic stimulus package with additional funding for meal reimbursements, and a National School Lunch Act requirement for semi-annual adjustments that consider rising food prices.

To learn more about the importance of having school health programs to improve the health of children, check out our “101” packets, which contain valuable materials, resources, and sample policies that can help with policy and program development.