Children living in poverty are more vulnerable to environmental, educational, health, safety risks.

They are also more likely to have cognitive, behavioral, and socioemotional difficulties. 

In the future, they are more likely to experience more years of unemployment and complete fewer years of school.

2 million are receiving free lunches (children from families with incomes at or below 130 percent of the poverty level are eligible).

5 million are receiving reduced-price lunches (children from families with incomes between 140 percent and 185 percent of the poverty level are eligible).

7 million pay full price (School districts set their own prices for paid meals).

WITH THIS DATA- if 19.2 million students are receiving free lunches due to their socioeconomic status, school lunch COULD be their only opportunity for a nutritious meal each day.