Study shows multiple factors affecting school lunch participation

WASHINGTON — The number of children participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is changing in ways that reflect events other than changes in nutrition rules, finds a new analysis by the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC). The data analysis shows that lower family incomes and improvements to the eligibility process for school meals have led to a continuous increase in participation among low-income children; and rules on pricing of meals for other children have contributed to a multi-year decline in participation for those with higher family incomes. FRAC also noted these changes both are part of longer trends.

In the recent debate over new nutrition standards for school meals, some have claimed the nutrition rules are driving participation down. The new nutrition rules, however, were introduced in the 2012-2013 school year, in order to bring school meals in line with current dietary guidelines. FRAC's analysis reveals that these participation changes have been percolating for a number of years with multiple factors at play.

"There have been shifts in school lunch participation, but FRAC's research shows these changes have been occurring for a decade and well before the new school meal standards were introduced," said FRAC President Jim Weill. "If policymakers want to respond to participation trends in school meals, it is imperative that they look at the larger picture."

First, the number of low-income children seeking assistance rose. The recession led to many families seeing reduced wages – or losing jobs altogether. As the recession caused many families' incomes to shift downward, the number of free and reduced-priced participants increased and the number of paid participants contracted. (Students moved from the paid category into eligibility for free and reduced-price meals.)