The Federal Government is now in the Supper Business

While breakfast and lunch programs have long been a common part of the school day, all states now have the opportunity to serve students free after-school suppers, too, with the money for the meals coming from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

As part of Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids legislation passed in 2010, the federal government is now in the supper business, budgeting $641 million over 10 years to make sure children in the nation's ever-growing poor pockets get one more balanced meal a day.

The reauthorized Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, championed by the first lady, extends to all states the federal reimbursement for school suppers, a program initially limited to Illinois, 12 other states and the District of Columbia.

Funding is available to schools in areas where more than half of the students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, under federal poverty guidelines. If a school meets the poverty threshold (currently a family of four living on an annual income of $28,665 or less), all students in afternoon programs get a free supper.