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As school lunch costs go up, many families aren't applying for free and reduced meals

The pandemic has had an enormous impact on how students learn and where that learning takes place. We also know that kids are much more likely to have positive school experiences — and to better absorb information — when they are well fed.

Over the course of the past couple of years, Congress has made it possible for schools to provide free meals to millions of students who otherwise would have had to pay thanks to COVID-19 assistance-related legislation. But that assistance stopped after two years, leaving many families and schools scrambling — a challenge that has only grown because of inflation.

Shannon Gleave is director of food and nutrition for the Glendale Elementary School District.

The Show spoke with her, and the conversation began with her explaining the situation her district is facing.

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Steve Goldstein was a host at KJZZ from 1997 to 2022.