Oct. 30, 2023
Participation in the federal Afterschool Meal Program dropped by 23% between October 2021 and October 2022 -- the first decrease since the program began in 2010 -- according to a report by the Food Research & Action Center. Over 1.6 million low-income children missed after-school meals, resulting in $116.5 million in missed federal reimbursements, FRAC noted, advising that Congress lower area eligibility requirements, increase federal funding and streamline the program to boost access.