Tuesday was always my favorite day of the week as a kid because Tuesday was Pizza Day at school. I also have fond memories of the smiley potatoes and chocolate milk served to me on a styrofoam tray. Along with millions of other American students I enjoyed school lunch almost daily and for a few of my school age years I enjoyed my lunch at no cost. How did I get a school lunch for free? Why do schools even make lunches? Simply put it's because of the National School Lunch Program.
What is it?
The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) in the United States is a federally assisted meal program, under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), that provides low-cost or free lunches to children in public and nonprofit private schools.
When did it start?
Established in 1946 under the National School Lunch Act, the program aims to promote the health and well-being of children by ensuring they have access to nutritious meals during the school day. State education agencies typically manage the program at the state level, while schools and local school districts implement it locally.
Who uses it?
Students qualify for free meals if their household income is at or below 130% of the federal poverty level. Students can receive reduced-price meals if their household income is between 130% and 185% of the federal poverty level. Students who are not on either category must pay for their school lunch. The NSLP serves over 29 million children each day across the country, helping to reduce food insecurity and ensuring that children have access to balanced meals that support their academic performance and physical health.
How was the NSLP used during Covid-19 Pandemic?
The NSLP was expanded during the Covid-19 pandemic by dropping all eligibility requirements and granting waivers to schools to provide free lunch, and in many schools free breakfast, to all students. This was done to reduce barriers to access during the pandemic, when many families faced economic hardship. It was extended into the 2021-2022 school year to further assist families after the pandemic. During the peak of the pandemic, when all in-person learning was paused, the NSLP also provided curbside pick up or grab and go for all students in need. Funds were also allocated to Pandemic EBT cards, P-EBT, where eligible families received debit cards loaded with the value of the meals their children would have received during the school closure, which could be used to buy groceries.
Are there any related programs?
In addition and partnered with the NSLP there is the School Breakfast Program (SBP) which offers either free or reduced price breakfast. The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), provides meals to children during the summer months when school is out of session. Finally the After-School Snack Program is available in schools that offer after-school educational or enrichment activities.
Overall, the NSLP plays a vital role in supporting child nutrition and combating hunger in the United States.
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