School meal programs provide essential relief for 60% of low-income U.S. families

A national survey by No Kid Hungry reveals that 60% of low-income parents in the United States say their children would lack sufficient food on certain days without school meal programs. The study, conducted by the organization Share Our Strength, highlights the intense economic pressure on families due to rising food costs and back-to-school expenses.

Key findings from the report include:

• 83% of parents fear they cannot afford all the food they normally purchase due to price increases. • 74% are concerned about the cost of school supplies. • 70% of parents worry about choosing between paying household bills and buying healthy food for their children. • 55% have reduced food spending, and 30% have skipped meals to ensure their children can eat.

The economic strain is also impacting student performance, with 67% of parents reporting that their children struggle to concentrate without consistent access to nutritious food, and 52% noting an increased likelihood of behavioral issues. Additionally, 54% of respondents reported that they or their partners have taken on additional employment to cope with food costs, a figure that rises to 60% among Hispanic parents.