Students receiving school-lunch aid skyrockets to 840,000 in Ohio

Students receiving school-lunch aid skyrockets to 840,000 in Ohio

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

New data from the Ohio Department of Education shows more than 840,000 students are getting subsidized meals at school, setting a record high.

The Columbus Dispatch reports nearly half of Ohio children in school are getting free or reduced-price lunches.

Students can qualify for aid through the federal lunch program based on family income. That means it’s a good indicator of poverty or economic well-being among families with schoolchildren.

The data shows the percentage of students receiving lunch aid has climbed from just under 29 percent a decade ago to about 45 percent this school year.

Some school districts have responded by adding free or reduced-price breakfasts at school or offering other meals on weekends and during summer break.