While Terry explains (in another outstanding education newsletter) the problems with free and reduced lunch statistics, whether it is an accurate measure of low income students in a public school, addresses eligibility and fraud questions, possible misuse of state and federal funding. He concludes his assessment  of free and reduced lunch:

Researchers and policymakers use FRL data in almost every aspect of their work. But there are plenty of reasons to be cautious when using free and reduced price lunch percentages as a proxy for the share of low-income students enrolled in a school or district. Until a viable alternative is found, we’re stuck using and citing a deeply flawed metric.

Officials in Cumberland County offer a solution.  At 32 of their schools, all students will now get free lunch regardless of income.  The schools qualify for what is known as community eligibility. The schools are in high-poverty areas where more than 40 percent of students are identified under a federal program.  So no longer will students have to fill out applications or meet qualifications. Free lunch for everyone.  Officials say the program could be expanded to 12 more schools next year.

In addition, Cumberland County Schools Child Nutrition Services will be providing free lunches this summer – to all children 18 yrs and under at designated sites – any child who shows up gets a free lunch regardless of income.

Is an expansion of government services to those who may not even need it what Terry had in mind when he referenced a viable alternative?  I doubt it.  Is there really such a thing as a free lunch? Stay tuned for answers to this and other deep education questions by subscribing to the weekly education newsletter.