This Giving Tuesday, Investor Dr. Rush is matching your donations to Marketplace - can we count on your support? Count Me In! ✔

Inflation, staff shortages mean fewer kids are participating in after-school meal programs

Oct 24, 2023
The federal government has also restricted eligibility after opening it early in the pandemic.
It’s been hard to find staff for after-school programs where the meals are served, says Clarissa Hayes, the primary author of the report from the Food Research & Action Center.
Jon Cherry/Getty Images

Pandemic rules for school lunch program expiring

Jun 6, 2022
The Agriculture Department will soon lose authority to grant waivers allowing kids to get free breakfast and lunch during the pandemic.
Many summer meal sites for students that were open last year won't be open this year, anti-poverty activists say.
Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

School cafeterias are looking for workers, too

Sep 6, 2021
Schools are struggling to find workers to serve children, and they are receiving fewer menu items from distributors and manufacturers.
It's not just cafeteria workers who are in short supply; there's also a shortage of warehouse workers and truck drivers.
George Frey/AFP via Getty Images

Pandemic food benefit expands for qualifying children through summer

Apr 5, 2021
Researchers think this temporary expansion could bring permanent changes to the SNAP program.
For many kids, school is the main way to get any lunch at all.
Karen Ducey/Getty Images