More seek lunch aid

The troubled economy may be prompting more families to turn to federal school nutrition programs that aid poor children, a survey suggests.

For the first time since 2004, a majority of cafeteria operators say the number of children getting free or reduced-price lunches has risen.

In the annual survey, out today from the School Nutrition Association, 51.4% of food service directors say they saw an increase in the past school year.

"We do see people that have smaller incomes, more single incomes rather than the double income because people are losing their jobs," says Katie Wilson, group president and school nutrition director for schools in Onalaska, Wis. She predicts the economic slump will lead more families to apply ...