Indicator Gauge Icon Legend
Legend Colors
Red is bad, green is good, blue is not statistically different/neutral.
Compared to Distribution
the value is in the best half of communities.
the value is in the 2nd worst quarter of communities.
the value is in the worst quarter of communities.
Compared to Target
meets target; 
does not meet target.
Compared to a Single Value
lower than the comparison value;
higher than the comparison value;
not statistically different from comparison value.
Trend
non-significant change over time; 
significant change over time; 
no change over time.
Compared to Prior Value
higher than the previous measurement period;
lower than the previous measurement period;
no statistically different change from previous measurement period.
Significantly better than the overall value
Significantly worse than the overall value
No significant difference with the overall value
No data on significance available
Students Eligible for the Free Lunch Program
This indicator is archived and is no longer being updated. Click to learn more
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.
| County/City | Source | Measurement Period | Percent | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Data Source
- National Center for Education Statistics
Maintained By: Conduent Healthy Communities Institute (Methodology)
Filed under: Economy / Food Insecurity, Economy / Poverty, Social Determinants of Health, Children