Recession, Improved Outreach Driving Large Increases
The number of students receiving free and reduced price school meals this year jumped by 30,000 students. The recession is one factor, but another is better outreach, as demonstrated in Baltimore City, which saw particularly large increases following an intensive enrollment campaign. School systems can reduce childhood hunger—and also receive more state education funding linked to low-income students—through better outreach to enroll all eligible students. School systems can also help enroll families in food stamps.
For the full study by Advocates for Children and Youth, click here.
