Schools across Texas are providing students with thousands more subsidized meals, an increase attributed to the downturn in the economy.
Nearly 2.7 million children qualified for free or reduced-priced lunches in December, the latest period for which data is available, the Houston Chronicle reported Sunday. The figure represents nearly a five percent increase from the previous year.
Because eligibility for the program is determined by parents losing jobs and income, it's likely the rise is related to the economic downturn, according to a spokeswoman for the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Advocates say it is critical that school employees reach out to families who recently lost jobs. Many have never been in that situation before and may be unfamiliar with the federal meal program.
Celia Hagert, an analyst with the Austin-based Center for Public Policy Priorities, said that schools must be proactive in making families aware of the program.
"If they're struggling and can get breakfast and lunch for free, that's a huge weight off their shoulders," she said.
