Long-Term Effects of Universal Free School Meal Policies: Evidence from the Community Eligibility Provision

Traditionally, free and reduced-price school meal programs have income eligibility requirements. However, over a decade ago, the federal government introduced the Community Eligibility Provision, which incentivizes schools to provide free meals to all students. Doctoral student in economics Lexin Cai will compare how universal free school meal policies and programs with eligibility criteria affect student educational, behavioral, and occupational outcomes. She will analyze data from the University of Texas Education Research Center for her study.