@article{Toossi:347312,
      recid = {347312},
      author = {Toossi, Saied and Todd, Jessica E. and Guthrie, Joanne and  Ollinger, Michael},
      title = {The National School Lunch Program: Background, Trends, and  Issues, 2024 Edition},
      address = {2024-09},
      number = {1476-2024-1347},
      series = {Economic Information Bulletin No. 279},
      pages = {50},
      year = {2024},
      note = {USDA, ERS researchers examined NSLP’s rules and  regulations, studied program trends using data from USDA,  Food and Nutrition Service and other sources, and reviewed  numerous NSLP-related research publications.},
      abstract = {The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is the Nation's  second-largest food and nutrition assistance program,  providing billions of meals to tens of millions of children  and adolescents each year.  USDA, Economic Research Service  (ERS) periodically reports on NSLP policies and program  operations, often after major changes to the program’s  rules and guidelines. The last such report was published in  2008.  Since then, the program has undergone major changes  precipitated by the passage of the Healthy, Hunger-Free  Kids Act of 2010 and the effects of the Coronavirus  (COVID-19) pandemic.  Changing economic conditions may have  also affected program spending and participation.  This  report provides an overview of the NSLP, documents major  program changes since 2008, and examines historical trends  and participant characteristics.  It also summarizes  research on the financial status of school food  authorities, program participation, the nutritional quality  of school lunches, and the impact of the program on the  diets of children and adolescents. It concludes by  discussing issues facing the program and research and data  needs.},
      url = {http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/record/347312},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.22004/ag.econ.347312},
}