Food Insecurity in Georgia's Public Schools

Hungry children do more poorly in school and have lower academic achievement because they are not well prepared for school and cannot concentrate. Food insecurity in early childhood can limit a child's cognitive and socio-emotional development, ultimately impairing school achievement and thus long-term productivity and economic potential. UGA agricultural and applied economics research examined the relationship between food insecurity, the National School Lunch Program and academic achievement of 5th grade students in Georgia. They found a strong inverse relationship between poverty and achievement test scores. The higher the percentage of children receiving free or reduced-price lunches, the lower the percentage of children meeting standards on the Reading and Math sections of the CRCT. Interestingly, once the income/poverty level, education of parent(s), and single parent effects for the household were accounted, race/ethnic group differences diminished or were insignificant indicators of successful achievement.