Traditional school breakfast — in which the meal is free or the child pays, depending on family income — creates a sense among children that the program is just “for poor kids.” This deters participation by children from all income groups. Free breakfast for all students ends the stigma, boosts participation among hungry children, and eliminates the burden of collecting fees.
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Table: Economic Strain and New SNAP Cost-Shifts Under H.R. 1 Across All States
