Six in ten low-income families in the U.S. depend on school meals

A significant majority of low-income families in the United States depend on school meal programs to ensure their children have enough to eat, according to a new survey. Six out of ten parents in these households stated that their children would go hungry on some days without these programs.

The survey, conducted by the anti-child hunger campaign No Kid Hungry, also revealed widespread financial anxiety among parents. Eighty-three percent of parents expressed concern about their ability to purchase their usual amount of food due to escalating prices. Furthermore, 74% are worried about the cost of school supplies as the new academic year approaches.

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Every parent wants to send their child to school ready to learn, without worrying if they will have enough food.

"Every parent wants to send their child to school ready to learn, without worrying if they will have enough food," said Anne Filipic, president of Share Our Strength, the organization behind No Kid Hungry. "School meals offer more than food. They help children focus in class while giving parents one less thing to worry about."

The study highlighted difficult choices families face, with 70% of parents worrying about having to choose between paying household bills and buying nutritious food for their children. This financial strain has led 55% of parents to reduce their food spending and 30% to skip meals themselves so their children can eat. These challenges also affect children's academic performance, as 67% of parents reported their children struggle to concentrate when they lack consistent access to nutritious food, and 52% believe their children are more prone to behavioral issues.

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School meals offer more than food. They help children focus in class while giving parents one less thing to worry about.