Even With a Second Job, It’s Not Enough: 6 in 10 Low-Income Families Rely on School Meals

Posted on 08/11/26 at 18:15

More than half of low-income parents in the United States say that on some days, their children would not have enough food without school meal programs.

At the same time, 54% say they or their partners have had to take on an additional job or a second job because of rising food costs.

The figures come from a survey published Tuesday by No Kid Hungry, a campaign of the organization Share Our Strength, and reported by EFE.

• Why it matters: For many families, working more is still not enough to cover food, bills, and other basic expenses. The pressure is even greater among Hispanic parents surveyed: 60% have had to take on additional work, six percentage points above the overall result.

Food Prices Force Families to Cut Their Budgets

Concern about being able to fill the grocery cart is affecting a large majority of the households surveyed.

According to the survey:

• 83% fear they will not be able to afford their usual groceries.
• 70% fear having to choose between paying bills and buying healthy food.
• 55% have reduced their food spending.
• 30% have skipped meals so they can feed their children.

Food is not the only source of financial pressure. Seventy-four percent of parents expressed concern about the cost of school supplies as the new school year approaches.

More Parents Are Taking Second Jobs to Cover Expenses

The impact is also reaching the workplace.

Fifty-four percent of parents reported that they or their partners have had to take on an additional job or a second job because of rising food costs.

Among Hispanic parents surveyed, the figure rises to 60%, showing even greater pressure to earn additional income and cover household expenses.

School Meals Are Becoming Essential Support for Families

The reliance on these programs goes beyond easing household budgets: 6 in 10 low-income parents say that without school meals, their children would not have enough food on some days.

A lack of consistent access to nutritious food can also carry over into the classroom.

67% of parents said their children have difficulty concentrating under these circumstances, while 52% believe they are more likely to experience behavioral problems.

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SNAP Food Benefit Changes Raise Concerns Among Latino Households in the U.S.

The survey also highlights the importance of other forms of assistance.

Ninety-two percent of Hispanic parents consider SNAP a temporary source of support for families experiencing hardship, compared with 82% of the overall sample.

• What comes next: The findings come amid uncertainty surrounding recent changes to SNAP.

Their effects on some families’ eligibility and on school meals for low-income families will depend on how the changes are implemented.