Nutrition & School Lunch
Budget & Finance
No More School Lunch Fees for Low-Income Families, USDA Says
Districts have until 2027 to eliminate processing fees for students who get reduced-price meals.
Student Well-Being
How Free School Meals Became an Issue Animating the 2024 Election
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has highlighted his state's law to provide free school meals to all students as he campaigns for vice president.
School & District Management
When Schools Charge for Meals and Field Trips, Parents Often Pay Transaction Fees
Paying bills online is easy, but comes at a significant cost for low-income families in particular, a new federal report shows.
Student Well-Being
Why Free Meal Programs Are Having a Tough Time Feeding Kids This Summer
Federally sponsored summer meal programs require children to eat on site, but what happens in a heat wave?
Student Well-Being
New School Lunch Rules Will Change Menus. (Chocolate Milk Still Allowed)
Newly unveiled school meal rules will limit sodium and added sugar.
School & District Management
Opinion
3 Steps for Culturally Competent Education Outside the Classroom
It’s not just all on teachers; the front office staff has a role to play in making schools more equitable.
Student Well-Being
The Surprising Connection Between Universal School Meals and Student Discipline
Giving all students free school meals can help nurture a positive school climate by eliminating the stigma around poverty.
School & District Management
How Principals Use the Lunch Hour to Target Student Apathy
School leaders want to trigger the connection between good food, fun, and rewards.
Student Well-Being
Q&A
Universal Free School Meals Might Improve Discipline Rates. Here's How
The way schools distribute free and reduced-price meals can cause stigma and increased disciplinary issues.
School & District Management
Schools Can More Easily Get Food, Laptops as Supply Chain Problems Fade
Fewer schools report difficulty securing crucial goods because of global supply chain logjams.
Student Well-Being
A New Federal Summer Food Program Targets Child Hunger. Why Are 15 States Opting Out?
Summer EBT could be a game changer for families facing food insecurity, childhood hunger experts say, but millions of kids won't benefit.
School & District Management
Why It's Getting More Expensive to Feed Kids at School
The School Nutrition Association's annual survey finds that rising food prices and staffing shortages are challenging school meal services.
Student Well-Being
Free Meals for All Students Is Best Way to Combat Hunger, Report Concludes
Some students say the quality of free meals has declined over the past few years.
Student Achievement
How These Districts Are Using $10,000 to Boost Student Learning
The pilot projects, begun with grants from the National Education Association, aim to curb absenteeism, supply food, and offer tutoring.