Identifying Sources of Measurement Error in Household Applications for School-Based Meals (303626)

Keywords: measurement error, income, household size

The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is responsible for administering school meal programs to millions of children from low-income households. In 2013 FNS programs provided more than 7.3 billion breakfasts and lunches at schools, costing approximately $15.7 billion. All meals are subsidized but children within household poverty limits are eligible for further reduced price or free meals. Schools receive reimbursements for the meals they provide with the number served at each price determining the reimbursement amount.

Concerns over reporting and reimbursement led FNS to identify national estimates of program error. During the 2012-2013 school year FNS found that, for applicants at schools without global eligibility, approximately 22% were certified incorrectly, with 2/3 of these cases “over certified.” Sixty percent of errors were due to household reporting, with income most frequently misreported, often in conjunction with household size. The net cost of these errors was approximately 5% of all reimbursements.

As a result, FNS redeveloped its application form, which was available for school use beginning in April 2015. The Center for Survey Measurement (CSM) at the U.S. Census Bureau was tasked with conducting cognitive and usability testing of this revised form, as well as versions customized by schools. CSM analyzed FNS data to identify specific geographies, school types, and student populations where household reporting errors were highest. We also compared the original and revised forms, looking specifically at the measurement of income and household size. Interviews are being conducted with applicant households and their respective school officials. The latter will provide important context for how these applications are completed; if additional guidance is given and how applications are processed.