National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs
The federal school meals programs operate in over 100,000 public and non-profit private schools across the country, serving more than 31 million school children each day. Philadelphia's Universal School Meals Program - which allows all children in high-poverty schools to eat for free, without a meal application - is a highly-regarded national model.
Current Issue
Due to major budget cuts, the Philadelphia School District recently announced its decision to close 26 full-service kitchens and replace them with pre-plated ("satellite") meals. Along with other leading nutrition advocates, the Center testified against the decision at the Philadelphia School Reform Commission in June 2011.
Useful Links and Reports
Study by the Reinvestment Fund for the School District of Philadelphia, “Estimating the Percentage of Students Income-Eligible for Free and Reduced Price Lunch,” August 2007.