Compared to Distribution

an indicator guage with the arrow in the green the value is in the best half of communities.

an indicator guage with the arrow in the yellow the value is in the 2nd worst quarter of communities.

an indicator guage with the arrow in the red the value is in the worst quarter of communities.

Compared to Target

green circle with white tick inside it meets target; red circle with white cross inside it does not meet target.

Compared to a Single Value

green diamond with downward arrow inside it lower than the comparison value; red diamond with downward arrow inside it higher than the comparison value; blue diamond with downward arrow inside it not statistically different from comparison value.

Trend

green square outline with upward trending arrow inside it green square outline with downward trending arrow inside it non-significant change over time; green square with upward trending arrow inside it green square with downward trending arrow inside it significant change over time; blue square with equals sign no change over time.

Compared to Prior Value

green triangle with upward trending arrow inside it higher than the previous measurement period; green triangle with downward trending arrow inside it lower than the previous measurement period; blue equals sign no statistically different change from previous measurement period.

green chart bars Significantly better than the overall value

red chart bars Significantly worse than the overall value

light blue chart bars No significant difference with the overall value

gray chart bars No data on significance available

Students Eligible for the Free Lunch Program

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Measurement Period: 2022-2023

Filter: none (all Counties)

This indicator shows the percentage of students eligible to participate in the Free Lunch Program under the National School Lunch Program.

Why is this important?

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions. The Free Lunch Program (FLP) under the NSLP has been providing nutritionally balanced lunches to children at no cost since 1946. Families who meet the income eligibility requirements or who receive Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits can apply through their children's school to receive free meals. The FLP ensures that students who may otherwise not have access to a nutritious meal are fed during the school day. This helps students remain focused and productive in school. Moreover, the lunches help students meet their basic nutritional requirements when their families may not be able to consistently provide a balanced and varied diet.

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