‘Free’ School Lunch Numbers Rise as Economy Worsens

The stumbling economy has hurt the finances of many families, resulting in an increase in the number of free lunches provided by area school districts.

While Putnam’s seven school systems report numbers escalating for the 2009-2010 school year, the incidence of free school lunches is nowhere near the number reported in larger districts, like Poughkeepsie’s 80 percent or Bay Shore, Long Island’s 44.5 percent.

Brewster’s School Food Services Director Joan O’Brien called the increases a “sign of the times. Many families are struggling to eke out a living and can’t afford the added expense of a school lunch.”

Brewster is providing 371 free meals this year, out of the total student population of 3,500.

In Carmel, School Food Services Director Mary Jo Mueller reported that “Our last count is 610 free lunches provided each day for our student population of 4,637.” Mueller noted, “With the uncertainty of the economy and more and more parents losing their jobs, the numbers continue to rise.”

Mahopac Assistant Superintendent Don Beverly reported 342 of the 4,858 student population are currently receiving free lunch. Mahopac remains Putnam’s largest school district.

The Putnam Valley School District is providing free lunches to 207 children out of a student population of 717, according to the school’s tax collector Jill Figarella.

In the Haldane School District in Cold Spring, Business Manager Ann Dinio reported that 149 children receive the meals each day out of a student population of 862.

The North Salem School District, which educates children in both Southeast as well as Croton Falls, Purdys, and North Salem, reported that 45 boys and girls receive the free meals each day out of a student population of 1,338.

The Garrison School District does not provide a hot lunch program. Superintendent Gloria Collucci reported one child received free milk each day out of the school’s total population of 275.

School officials all agreed that reducing hunger and “food insecurity” is an important way to improve academic performance. Brewster Superintendent Dr. Jane Sandbank said, “a hungry child has difficulty learning because his mind is not on his class work but on craving his hunger.”

Uncle Sam has begun reimbursing local schools with federal dollars due to the increased participation.

The local officials stressed that parents should never be embarrassed to apply for a free lunch for their children: “All a family has to do is call their local school district and make out an application that is confidential. When your child walks through his or her lunch line each day, no one knows that he is receiving a free meal. There is no stigma at all,” said Mueller.