In this presentation, we will review the 2020 Census data and factors that impacted how students and their families were counted. We will also look at the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years and how the changes in school meal service -- which continue into 2021-22 -- have caused gaps in data on students and student poverty. The presentation will review guidance from the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Education on school meal numbers, suggested workarounds, and how the changing numbers could impact funding for federal programs in coming years. Finally, we'll talk about legislation on the horizon to modify meal programs and what that will mean in this debate.
Julia Martin is the Legislative Director at the law firm Brustein & Manasevit in Washington, DC. She tracks legislation, regulations, guidance, and other policy and politics for clients. She has also worked on Capitol Hill and has a law degree from the George Washington University.