Advocates believe the option of after-school meals may persuade even more kids to take advantage of after-school programs, which research shows can improve homework completion rates and classroom behavior.

“I think we all know if there’s a meeting and there’s going to be food, adults will be more likely to go,” said Nicole Woo, senior policy analyst at the Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice. “I think it’s common sense now that if you’re offering a snack or supper (at an after-school program), you’re more likely to draw kids in.”

Schools nationwide reached a total of 1.1 million low-income kids with after-school meals in October 2016. The Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) recommends states reach at least 15 children through the after-school supper program for every 100 low-income children who eat school lunch. Only the District of Columbia has met this goal, while California and Vermont come close.

If each state met this goal, an additional 2.2 million low-income children would benefit from an evening meal, FRAC said.