Many of city's students qualify for meal assistance

Eighty-five percent of the students at Empire Ranch Elementary School are identified by the state department of education as low-income or needy. District wide, 40-45 percent of students qualify.

As the district prepares to open its doors for the upcoming school year, the free and reduced-cost meals program continues to be integral to helping keep students mentally and physically healthy, district officials said.

"We've experienced for our low-income families, sometimes the meal they receive at school may be the only meal they get for the day," said Bonnie Eastwood, nutrition director for the Carson City School District. "It happens that these kids don't eat when they get home, so you have to make sure they get a nutritious meal when they get here."

"We hope that number gets lower," Eastwood said. "But because we're a transient state we do have a large number of needy in the area."

At July's end, the district already had a list of 500 needy families eligible for the free meal program.

"... And school hasn't begun yet," Eastwood said.

The percentage of Carson students taking advantage of the program is higher than the state average.

Pat Cook, a consultant with the office of child nutrition and school health, said about 38 percent of the student population statewide uses the program.

There are approximately 180,000 school meals served per day in Nevada schools.

"The numbers (of students in the free or reduced-cost meals program) have grown," Cook said. "But it's a necessity. It's the old adage that hungry children can't learn."

The program, which was started nationwide in 1946, is available to families who fill out the appropriate forms available at school sites once in session.

Homeless, migrant and runaway students are also eligible for the program.

Last year, the program cost Nevadans $69 million.

"It's very important to continue funding," said consultant with the office of child nutrition and school health, Kathy Stewart. "Studies have shown nutrition is paramount to learning."

• Contact reporter Andrew Pridgen at apridgen@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1219.

By the numbers

• 85 percent of Empire Ranch Elementary's students are identified as low-income.

• 38 percent of students statewide participate in the program.

• $69 million, cost to taxpayers

School district population

• 57 percent Hispanic, 38 percent white, 3 percent American Indian, 1 percent Asian and 1 percent black.