Larry,

Responding to your questions:

#1: I have not read the report itself. From the materials I have read the criteria they speak of are quite a bit beyond how many they serve. It is about the improvement in school attendance, completetion of assignments (as in homework), and improvement in their achievement.

How they are able to tie those impacts directly to Sun School participation I do not know; it could be there are many integrated efforts all helping students achieve.

#2: This answer is from my perspective having worked in school programs, after school programs and efforts and such. We feed students because some do not get enough to eat at home, or they are rushed to school so parents can get to work and breakfast gets skipped or isn't adequate to get them through day.

When students are hungry it is hard to concentrate on school. So feeding kids is a very effective tool in helping students succeed in school.

And feeding kids in after school programs provides the after school nourishment that most kids need, and again helps them settle in and study.

I can understand why you might think it isn't a logical link, but I think feeding kids is a very valid and important use of our funds.

Thank you for writing and for asking questions.

Jane