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6/12/2009
According to a June 10, 2009 USA Today article, federal data shows that the number of students receiving free or reduced-price lunches at school has reached an all-time high. The U.S. Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) indicates that, over the past year, nationwide enrollment in free school lunch programs reached 16.5 million students (up 6.3%). It is likely that the increase in new enrollees is a direct result of the economic recession. Although schools receive federal subsidies that cover much of the cost of the meals (on average, one meal costs $2.92, for which the school receives $2.57 from the government), restricted budgets and rising food prices are making it difficult for many schools to keep up with the growing demand.
The article is available at the USA Today Web site.
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