UNH study: Needy not using school food programs

DURHAM, N.H. - With legislation on select child nutrition programs up for reauthorization before Sept. 30, new research at the Carsey School of Public Policy at the University of New Hampshire finds that only moderate numbers of eligible households take advantage of the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs.

Analysis of Current Population Survey data from 2013 shows only 64 percent of eligible households participate in the National School Lunch Program and 52 percent participate in the School Breakfast Program.

"Additional children already qualify and could be benefiting both nutritionally and academically from participation," said researcher Jessica Carson. In addition, she found that participation rates were higher in cities than in suburban or rural areas and that southern households were the most likely to participate in the School Breakfast Program.

"With reauthorization upcoming, policymakers might consider ways to increase participation, especially in rural places where large shares of households are eligible, and participation rates are relatively low."