Direct certification simplifies the process of certifying certain children for free school meals by eliminating the need for households to apply. The 2004 Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act required all local educations agencies (LEAs) to establish a system of direct certification by...

On an average school day, school lunch participants consume more fruits and vegetables, including relatively more at school and less away from school compared to nonparticipants.

An analysis of National School Lunch Program (NSLP) application records and state Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation data revealed characteristics of school-age SNAP participants who are less likely to be matched in direct certification data matching processes....

Making positive changes in the types of foods available to children in schools has the potential to have a substantial impact on their dietary intakes and the prevalence of childhood obesity. Although federal regulation requires that school districts have policies about all foods offered on...

An analysis of National School Lunch Program (NSLP) application records and state Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation data revealed characteristics of school-age SNAP participants who are less likely to be matched in direct certification data matching processes....