Free Food At School For Your Kids

A 1998 Tufts University study states: Children who participate in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s School Breakfast Program were shown to have significantly higher standardized achievement test scores than eligible non-participants. Children getting school breakfasts also had significantly reduced absence and tardiness rates. Your child can get a free breakfast at one of the 70,000 participating schools at one income level ($21,385 for family of 4) and at a reduced fee at another level ($30,433 for family of 4). Families who pay full price still get a bargain. Over 6.9 million kids participate and 5.9 million get it for free or at a reduced rate. Lunch is also available under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National School Lunch program at 95,000 schools serving 26 million children. The same general requirements apply to both programs. Ask your school if they participate, or contact your local School Food Service Authority in your school system. If all this fails, contact your state Department of Education listed in the blue pages of your phone book. Check out the Food and Nutrition Services web page at {www.usda.gov/fncs/}.