Policy Research Shop Support for the Policy Research Shop is provided by the Ford Foundation and by the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, U.S. Department of Education. Policy Research Shop Under-Enrollment & Under- Participation in Vermont’s National School Lunch Program By Danny Freeman, Lorelei Yang, and Rachel Ng The contents of this report were developed under grant P116B from the U.S. Department of Education. However, these contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.

Policy Research Shop Background National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Credit: Foodserve.com Food insecurity in Vermont – Vermont is the ninth hungriest state Consequences of hunger on children – Long term developmental impairments

Policy Research Shop Increases in Enrollment

Policy Research Shop Identifying the Issues Two Main Issues – Under-Enrollment – Under-Participation Consider the Focus of Each – Parents – Children

Policy Research Shop Under-Enrollment in NSLP – Complex Forms – Unknown Eligibility – Social Stigma CAUSES:

Policy Research Shop Examples of Addressing Under- Enrollment Direct Certification Aid in Filling Out the Application

Policy Research Shop Under-Participation In NSLP – Social Stigma – Choice of NSLP Lunches – Vending Machines – Wait Time to Eat – Some Schools Opt Out of NSLP CAUSES: – Menu Limitations

Policy Research Shop Examples of Addressing Under- Participation Investment in technology to encourage anonymity Other States – New York- Prioritized menu options and culturally diverse food – DC and Vermont- Free Breakfast for Enrollees – Oregon- BIC Program – Colchester and OSSU - PIN numbers – Essex Junction- Finger imaging – Provision 2 Program

Policy Research Shop Policy Options by Issue Under-Enrollment Under-Participation – Aid with Forms and Knowledge about Eligibility – Mandate that All Schools Require Forms to be Filled Out – Expand Technology for Direct Certification – Outreach about Benefits of Eating NSLP v. Vending Machines – Invest in Technology to Reduce Stigma

Policy Research Shop Policy Options That Tackle Both Enrollment and Participation – End Participation in NSLP Across Vermont – Continue Allowing Schools to Use their Own Approach – Make All Reduced Price Meals Free – Make All Meals Free for All – Research Options: Surveys

Policy Research Shop Conclusion Various policy options available to the state and schools, but more research is needed! Inconsistent vocabulary causes confusion Under-participation is primary problem, but hard to measure Social stigma seems to drive under-participation

Policy Research Shop Thank You Questions? Comments?