Binghamton City School District’s Meal Programs and their Impact on Reducing Local Food Insecurity

The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic recession resulted in a stark increase in the number of food insecure children nationally and in the Binghamton City School District locally. The lack of nutritious food can lead to poor physical and mental health in adolescents. To mitigate said health concerns, the Binghamton City School District implemented the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) to provide free meals to all students. In my research, I will evaluate the impact of the NSLP and SBP on decreasing the food insecurity rates in the Binghamton City School District amidst the COIVD-19 pandemic. Evaluations of the NSLP and SBP participation rates before and after the outbreak of COVID-19 will be conducted. The results suggest that the consistent use of the National free meal programs lowers the amount of food insecure children in Broome County. Families express that subsidized meals give them security in knowing their children will be properly nourished. This research indicates that widespread use of the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program will minimize the national food insecurity rate.https://orb.binghamton.edu/research_days_posters_2022/1078/thumbnail.jp