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WASHINGTON — The number of students who receive free and reduced-cost meals at school could soar to a 41-year high this school year, as the recession pushes thousands more children into poverty.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says at least 18.5 million low-income students are expected to participate in the National School Lunch Program each day this school year. More than 8.5 million are expected to be in the federal School Breakfast Program.
Both projections are about the same as last year’s record levels. If rising homelessness and growth in the food-stamp program are any indication, however, enrollment in both programs could swell well beyond expectations this fall.
