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In 2023, to respond to increased rates of child food insecurity during the summer Congress authorized states to opt in to allowing noncongregate, or “grab-and-go,” summer meal services for students in rural areas. In the summer of 2023, 46 states and DC opted in, and in the summer of 2024 all 50 states and DC opted in. This summary presents data on noncongregate sites for 2023 and 2024 to assess the growth in participation and popularity.
Age Groups: Adolescents (grades 9 to 12), Elementary-age children (grades K to 5), Young adolescents (grades 6 to 8)
Keywords: Community setting, School meal programs
Focus Areas: Food Access, School & After School
Resource Type: Journal Article
State: National
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