School systems in eastern Connecticut expect an increase in the number of students receiving free or reduced-price lunches under federal programs this year, according to the Norwich Bulletin, which adds that the schools saw an increase last year as well.
For instance, Putnam saw the percentage of students using lunch programs rise from 45 percent in October 2007 to 56 percent in June 2008. "With the economy the way it is, I’m expecting it will grow even more," Virginia Smelser, food service director for Putnam schools, told the Bulletin.
Children from families with incomes less than 130 percent of the poverty level qualify for free meals, while children from families with incomes between 130 percent and 185 percent of the poverty level qualify for reduced-price meals, under just-released federal guidelines.
A Connecticut Commission on Children blog highlighting news articles and other information on how children are faring in this crisis.
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