USA: More families requesting free or reduced lunch

ONALASKA, Wisconsin (USA Today), August 19, 2008: By Greg Toppo, USA TODAY The troubled economy may be prompting more families to turn to federal school nutrition programs that aid poor children, a survey suggests. For the first time since 2004, a majority of cafeteria operators say the number of children getting free or reduced-price lunches has risen. In the annual survey, out today from the School Nutrition Association, 51.4% of food service directors say they saw an increase in the past school year. ______________________________ MILK AND UGHS School nutrition officials say rising expenses are driving up the cost of providing school lunch. In prepared congressional testimony, expected today, they say costs for the following items will rise this school year as follows: Item percentage increase Meat and alternatives 11% Fruit and vegetables 13% Bread 17% Milk 19% ________________________________ "We do see people that have smaller incomes, more single incomes rather than the double income because people are losing their jobs," says Katie Wilson, group president and school nutrition director for schools in Onalaska, Wis. She predicts the economic slump will lead more families to apply for the federal aid this fall. One note of caution: The survey's authors say the findings could be elevated because this year the association polled all of its members, not just those who attended the annual convention. The Department of Agriculture reimburses schools $2.57 for every meal served to low-income children. Last year schools were paid for more than half of lunches; since 2003 the percentage has changed marginally, from 58.5% to 59.3%. Income limits To qualify for free lunch, a family of four must earn $27,560 or less; a family with a maximum income of $39,220 qualifies for reduced-price lunches. Source: School Nutrition Association Copyright 2008 USA TODAY